Sligo Rovers' 10-men secure a point in clash with Derry City

Derry City's disappointing form continues to halt their title charge as they had to settle for a point against 10-man Sligo Rovers at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.

Reece Hutchinson's second-half own goal cancelled out Connor Malley's stunning first-half strike and while Derry had chances to win the game in the second half, they struggled at times on the counter-attack against the 10 men.

Derry's Achilles heel came back to haunt them as they were shocking again in the first half and while they had chances after Hutchinson's own goal, Rovers, who had Luke Pearce sent off, always looked a threat on the break.

City boss Ruaidhrí Higgins made one enforced change to the side which drew with Bohemians on Friday night as Ciaran Coll came in for the injured Ben Doherty.

The home side were unfortunate not to be awarded a spot-kick on 13 minutes as Paul McMullan found Ronan Boyce inside the box, but just as the right-back was about to shoot he seemed to be pushed to the ground by Simon Power, but referee Paul Norton waved away their appeals.

Rovers broke the deadlock in outstanding fashion on 34 minutes as Malley had some time and space some 25 yards from goal and his superb right-footed strike fizzed past Brian Maher and flew into the bottom left hand corner.

Two minutes later, Derry were forced into making a change as Pat Hoban limped to the bench and was replaced by Daniel Mullen.

A large chorus of boos rang out after the half-time whistle as the home supporters were frustrated that for the umpteenth time their side struggled in the first half.

Higgins rang the changes at half-time, with Patrick McEleney, Colm Whelan and Jacob Davenport replacing Andre Wisdom, Will Patching and Adam O'Reilly as they looked to get back into the