Sligo Rovers came from behind to beat title contenders Derry City 2-1 in Thursday night’s eventful SSE Airtricity League Premier Division game at the Showgrounds.
It was a poignant evening for family and friends of Tommie Gorman, who passed away last week at the age of 68.
Tommie’s wife Ceara, and son & daughter Joe and Moya, attended the game.
Before kick-off, Sligo Rovers manager John Russell, League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon and Derry City manager Ruaidhrí Higgins laid wreaths on the half-way line as a mark of respect.
There was also a moments applause from the crowd of 2,856 before the start in memory of the broadcaster, journalist and lifelong Rovers supporter – and another one in the 68th minute of the game (Tommie’s age).
As for the football, Paul McMullan put Derry in front on 53 minutes with an excellent curling finish from 14 yards.
📹 | Paul McMullan with a screamer to give Derry the lead!
SLI 0-1 DER#LOITV | #SLIDER pic.twitter.com/jVQVLZ1BTB
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) July 4, 2024
However, Rovers were back on level terms a short while later after a fine Will Fitzgerald dribble saw him taken down by Diallo.
Ellis Chapman duly converted the spot kick to make it 1-1.
The same player would prove to the be the matchwinner in the 89th minute when he collected a pass from Niall Morahan on the half-way line and beat four Derry defenders before finishing delightfully to the Derry net.
A big blow to Derry City’s title hopes and what a moment for Sligo Rovers!#LOI | #SLIDER pic.twitter.com/mYcyilj9Av
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) July 4, 2024
There was more drama in injury-time when Rovers right back JR Wilson was shown a straight red card for dissent.
Ed McGinty was called upon to produced a string of excellent saves to deny Derry’s Pat Hoban and Colm Whelan – and Rovers held on to claim another big three points – on another poignant evening for the club.
Thursday night’s LOI results
Premier Division
Sligo Rovers 2 Derry City 1
Drogheda Utd 1 Shelbourne 1
Shamrock Rovers 1 Dundalk 0
Waterford 1 St Pat’s 0
Galway Utd 2 Bohemians 1
First Division
Finn Harps 1 Kerry FC 0
UCD 1 Athlone Town 2
Wexford 1 Cork City 3
Treaty Utd 0 Cobh Ramblers 1
Bray Wanderers 0 Longford Town 1.
