Derry Metropolis moved to inside one level of Shamrock Rovers with a fourth successive league win.
Wsick Patching’s first half free kick was sufficient for the Candystripes in opposition to Sligo Rovers, who though nicely on prime all through, have been unable to kill the sport off regardless of quite a few makes an attempt.
Metropolis began brightly and may have scored after 9 minutes. Cameron McJannet raced previous Lewis Banks on the left and an ideal cross discovered Ryan Graydon on the again put up, however the winger’s downward header bounced over the bar.
The house followers didn't have to attend lengthy earlier than their staff took the lead. On quarter-hour, Will Patching was fouled by Frank Liivak on the sting of the penalty space and the midfielder picked himself up and curling a ravishing effort into the highest nook of the web. It was his tenth league purpose of the season and first in seven.
Substitute James Akintunde virtually scored together with his first contact, however he was denied by Luke McNicholas who saved from shut vary.
Sligo have been by no means out of it, nonetheless, and with substitute Max Mata actually making a distinction, they got here near levelling on 78 minutes when Paddy Kirk raced down the left and his cross was virtually become his personal web by Mark Connolly, just for Maher to seize the ball earlier than it crossed the road.
A lot of Sligo gamers claimed handball in opposition to the defender, however referee Rob Harvey was unmoved.
Max Mata had one last likelihood for Sligo as he latched onto a cross from Banks, however he sliced broad underneath strain and Derry held on for the win.
DERRY CITY: Maher, Boyce, Connolly, S McEleney, McJannet, Dummigan, Patching (Thoson 70’), Graydon (C Kavanagh 83’), P McEleney, Duffy(Lafferty 90’), McGonigle (Akintunde 70’).
SLIGO ROVERS: McNicholas, Banks, Pijnaker, Kirk, Blayney, Bolger (Morahan 63’), Burton, Fitzgerald, Liivak, McDonnell (Mata 63’), Keena.
REFEREE: Rob Harvey.