LOI preview: Must-win for Derry in Sligo as Hoops on brink of title

The SSE Airtricity League Premier Division looked like it was bubbling to a dramatic conclusion but tonight Shamrock Rovers could be crowned champions if Derry City fail to beat Sligo Rovers.

Friday was an eventful night of action in the league and put paid to a potential title decider as the Hoops comprehensively beat St Patrick's Athletic and the Candystripes slipped up at home to Shelbourne.

That means Stephen Bradley’s side are in a commanding position and a single point more will almost certainly be enough to make it three league crowns in succession, given their superior goal difference.

It’s a must-win encounter for Derry in Sligo – and having lost the reverse fixture and seen the Bit O’ Red post some decent results this month – it may well be the end of the road tonight.

If they can manage a victory, it will put them within five points of the leaders ahead of their meeting on Sunday evening.

Speaking after the draw against Shels against Friday, manager Ruaidhri Higgins told the Derry Journal that he wasn't giving up hope.

"If we win our next two games it goes down to the final day regardless. So it's not over," he said.

"If we win our next two games it goes down to the final game but we need to just win our next game and take it from there.

"It's a bit of a setback. Although we haven't lost since the back end of May, and I hope it stays that way, but we have experienced players in key areas and an opportunity to bounce back on Monday night."

For Sligo, they’re out of the race for Europe but John Russell will be pleased with the character they have shown.

Three points in UCD was followed by a 3-3 thriller in Oriel Park on Friday night – they were left to rue the concession of a Keith Ward equaliser having led and trailed on