Derry in the doldrums

IT is now five defeats in seven league games for Derry City who were comfortably beaten by Sligo Rovers at the Brandywell.

It was the visitors who struck first on 11 minutes when Rhys McCabe chipped a ball in behind the Derry defence for the run of David Cawley, who showed great composure to both draw and then sidestep Gerard Doherty before slotting into the empty net.

The home side almost responded immediately as Aaron McEneff played Ben Doherty in on goal, but the youngster attempted to shift the ball onto his stronger left foot, allowing Gary Boylan to make a vital interception, which brought an end to the defender’s involvement in the game – he injured himself in the challenge.

It should have been 2-0 midway through the half as Derry were caught out again, this time Lewis Morrison beating the offside trap, but he too shot wastefully over the bar with just the goalkeeper to beat.

City could have gone in level at the break when Rory Hale sent brother Ronan in, but instead of driving into the area, the younger Hale shifted onto his left and sent his shot straight at Beeney.

Disaster struck Derry just three minutes into the second half as Sligo doubled their lead as Caolan McAleer’s low cross was turned in by Lewis Morrison.

Derry managed very little in response, with Sligo seeing out the remainder of the game professionally.