Defensive grit was notable in a tie that was not a classic Alan Finn

Was further encouraged by Rovers’ long-term prospects after the share of the spoils with Derry City

TWO points from two games. A return anyone would gladly have taken before the season started, I think it’s fair to say.

It is two points fewer than what the Sligo Rovers team of last year accumulated after 180 minutes of action in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division, yet this team somehow feels as though it is in a better place at this early stage.

Supporters will always tell you they’ll get over any result as long as players leave everything out on the pitch. These opening games have been a good test of that and those fans have been as good as their word in praising the players for the attitude on show so far.

This was evident up and down the pitch last Saturday night in the 0-0 draw with Derry City, with players such as JR Wilson, Connor Malley, Max Mata and Niall Morahan all showing that very attitude in abundance as it helped influence their performances.

Crucially, something that also stood out with JR Wilson and Connor Malley is they are offering something at right-back and in midfield that we simply needed to see more of last year.

Not everything came off for Malley on the night, but he was always looking to do something to advance the play up the pitch and create space for the likes of Fabrice Hartmann and Simon Power to do what they do best.

Another highlight of the night was the performance in the heart of the defence from Ollie Denham and Nando Pijnaker.

Nobody fully knew what to expect from Denham when he signed on loan and, despite a rough opening 20 minutes against Bohs on the opening night, his performances have