YOUNGSTER TERENCE DOHERTY scored two goals in five minutes in his first start for Derry City as the Candystripes came from 2-0 down to draw with Sligo Rovers in the final game of the season, denying Darren Purse a first league win since taking over in July.
The Bit O’Red held a 2-0 lead at half-time thanks to goals from Gareth McElroy and Ryan O’Kane, but the dismissal of Kaiyne Woolery changed the game and Derry fired back with two brilliant goals from Doherty to come away with a point.
Interim manager Mark Connolly made a total of ten changes from the side that beat Dundalk, handing youngsters Callum Downey and Doherty their first starts.
The Candystripes still could have finished fourth, but in reality their main concern would be getting through their final league game with a clean bill of health.
It was a game that had a real end of season feel, and while the visitors had a lot of the early ball, they didn’t test Liam Hughes anywhere near enough.
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And it was the relegated Sligo Rovers who struck first, with captain McElroy firing in after his initial header from Luke Young’s free was blocked.
And seven minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead after Woolery brilliantly drove forward.
The former Tranmere man’s ball in was pushed away by Brian Maher, but right into the path of O’Kane who volleyed in for 2-0.
Sligo Rovers were keen to hold on for a first win in 18 games, but their chances received a blow early in the second-half when Woolery got a straight red card for reacting to a challenge from Brooklyn Lyons-Foster.
It did change things, but Derry’s substitutions were also a big difference maker.
It was 2-1 on 77 minutes when Kevin Dos Santos’ ball across the edge of the box was drilled back in by Gavin Whyte, and Doherty brilliantly volleyed it into the net.
Then five minutes later, Liam Kelly’s outstanding ball was headed in by Doherty again as Derry were back on level terms.
They pushed hard for an equaliser, but settled for a point that confirmed their fifth place finish in the table as they prepare for the cup final.
Sligo finished 15 points adrfit at the bottom, as they prepare for life in the First Division.
Sligo Rovers: Liam Hughes; Seb Quirk, Sean Stewart (Ollie Denham HT), Gareth McElroy, Kyle McDonagh; Daire Patton (Reuben Gillespie 79), Luke Young; Jack Shorrock (Cian Kavanagh 56), Archie Meekison, Ryan O’Kane (James McManus 68); Kaiyne Woolery.
Derry City: Brian Maher (Thomas Norcott HT); Conor Barr, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, Christy Grogan (Jamie Stott 41); Callum Downey, Kevin Dos Santon; James Olayinka (Liam Kelly 51), Gavin Whyte, Darragh Markey (Yoann Prigent 71); Terence Doherty; Tyler Smith (Liam Boyce 71).
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Doherty's double on first Derry start ruins Sligo's Premier Division farewell
Sligo Rovers 2
Derry City 2
YOUNGSTER TERENCE DOHERTY scored two goals in five minutes in his first start for Derry City as the Candystripes came from 2-0 down to draw with Sligo Rovers in the final game of the season, denying Darren Purse a first league win since taking over in July.
The Bit O’Red held a 2-0 lead at half-time thanks to goals from Gareth McElroy and Ryan O’Kane, but the dismissal of Kaiyne Woolery changed the game and Derry fired back with two brilliant goals from Doherty to come away with a point.
Interim manager Mark Connolly made a total of ten changes from the side that beat Dundalk, handing youngsters Callum Downey and Doherty their first starts.
The Candystripes still could have finished fourth, but in reality their main concern would be getting through their final league game with a clean bill of health.
It was a game that had a real end of season feel, and while the visitors had a lot of the early ball, they didn’t test Liam Hughes anywhere near enough.
And it was the relegated Sligo Rovers who struck first, with captain McElroy firing in after his initial header from Luke Young’s free was blocked.
And seven minutes later, the hosts doubled their lead after Woolery brilliantly drove forward.
The former Tranmere man’s ball in was pushed away by Brian Maher, but right into the path of O’Kane who volleyed in for 2-0.
Sligo Rovers were keen to hold on for a first win in 18 games, but their chances received a blow early in the second-half when Woolery got a straight red card for reacting to a challenge from Brooklyn Lyons-Foster.
It did change things, but Derry’s substitutions were also a big difference maker.
It was 2-1 on 77 minutes when Kevin Dos Santos’ ball across the edge of the box was drilled back in by Gavin Whyte, and Doherty brilliantly volleyed it into the net.
Then five minutes later, Liam Kelly’s outstanding ball was headed in by Doherty again as Derry were back on level terms.
They pushed hard for an equaliser, but settled for a point that confirmed their fifth place finish in the table as they prepare for the cup final.
Sligo finished 15 points adrfit at the bottom, as they prepare for life in the First Division.
Sligo Rovers: Liam Hughes; Seb Quirk, Sean Stewart (Ollie Denham HT), Gareth McElroy, Kyle McDonagh; Daire Patton (Reuben Gillespie 79), Luke Young; Jack Shorrock (Cian Kavanagh 56), Archie Meekison, Ryan O’Kane (James McManus 68); Kaiyne Woolery.
Derry City: Brian Maher (Thomas Norcott HT); Conor Barr, Brooklyn Lyons-Foster, Christy Grogan (Jamie Stott 41); Callum Downey, Kevin Dos Santon; James Olayinka (Liam Kelly 51), Gavin Whyte, Darragh Markey (Yoann Prigent 71); Terence Doherty; Tyler Smith (Liam Boyce 71).
Referee: Declan Toland.
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