Sligo Rovers F.C. - Bit O´Red conquer Derry

Bit O´Red conquer Derry

Tuesday, 27 June 2006

In the most exhilarating match at The Showgrounds this season, Sligo Rovers overcame the challenge of second placed Derry City on Monday night thanks to another brace from in-form striker, Paul McTiernan. Report courtesy, The Sligo Champion

Sligo Rovers ...3 • Derry City....1

McTiernan is clearly relishing the challenge of life in the Premier Division and his return to form, he banged two goals past Bohemians on Friday night last, has given Rovers a much needed impetus as the league enters its second phase.

Rovers fully deserved the win over their North West rivals though the visitors will bemoan the fact they had a player sent off after just 19 minutes and will feel they might have got something from the contest had substitute Gareth McGlynn not received his marching orders following a challenge with Keith Foy and if the brilliant Paddy McCourt not gone off injured also early in the game.

Ironically, Derry had the best of the exchanges after being reduced to ten men and they deservedly drew level on the stroke of half-time putting McTiernan’s sixth minute opener, a scorcher from 20 yards, well behind them.

However, Rovers were totally dominant in the second half and once Foy drilled home a free-kick on 58 minutes there was no doubting which side was going to claim the three points.

Torrid evening

Rovers made sure of the points when McTiernan, who gave veteran Derry centre-half, Peter Hutton a torrid evening, reacted sharply to turn the ball past David Forde at the near post on 67 minutes.

The win ensures Rovers’ position in mid table and if they continue this run of form a place or two higher will not be beyond the bounds of possibility.

For Derry, a thoroughly miserable night was compounded when other results meant they slipped to third in the table, their chance of going top having been ruthlessly destroyed by Rovers.

The two week World Cup break certainly had no adverse effect on Rovers and they showed scant regard for the reputation of last season’s Premier Division runners-up in the early exchanges.

It was clear that Derry, who beat Rovers 3-1 at the Brandywell earlier in the season, weren’t going to get anything easy from The Showgrounds and manager Sean Connor’s plea to turn the ground into a fortress has certainly been heeded by his players.

With Derry centre back pairing of Mark McChrystal and skipper, Hutton looking ill at ease, McTiernan and his lively co-striker, Darren Mansaram had plenty of time to hold up the ball and to also create chances.

Volley

Rovers rocked Derry after just six minutes, McTiernan volleying to the roof of the net from 20 yards with his left foot after a pass from Conor O’Grady.

Matters went from bad to worse for Derry when winger, McCourt who was just settling into the match, pulled up in agony after 11 minutes with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

McGlynn entered the fray as his replacement but the substitute was also heading for an early exit, referee, Dave McKeon flashing red following a contest for the ball with Foy on 19 minutes.

Rovers could have made it two on 34 minutes but McTiernan blasted wide from ten yards having easily got past Hutton.

Despite being down to ten men, it was Derry, who included Sligoman Ciaran Martyn in their line up, who did more of the pressing and they nearly drew level a minute later when McCrystal was inches wide with a 25 yard free-kick.

Level terms

Derry got back on level terms in the 45th minute with a spectacular effort from Killian Brennan. A throw-in from Sean Hargan on the left wing was headed clear by Liam Burns but Brennan latched on to it to blast home from 25 yards, giving John O’Hara no chance.

Rovers were certainly in better shape after the break and deservedly took the lead in the 58th minute, Foy superbly finding the net with a brilliant left foot strike from a free-kick.

The ‘bit o’red’ ensured the three points ten minutes later with Foy again playing a major role. His corner on the right came back to him and when he got in his cross, McTiernan met it at the near post.

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