Romuald Boco helped Sligo Rovers move another step closer to Premier Division safety following this victory over an understrength Derry City at The Brandywell.
And as the 'Bit O’Red' warmed up for Friday night’s FAI Cup semi-final, Derry City’s dismal end of season run continued with Stephen Kenny’s men losing for the fifth game on the spin.
Minus all four recognised strikers, Derry teenagers Davy McDaid and Aaron Nash led the home front line, and while McDaid did equalise during the first half, Kenny's side never troubled Sligo keeper Ciaran Kelly throughout the second period.
Therefore, Derry’s hopes of a place in next season’s Europa League is also in serious doubt as the financial problems continue on Foyleside.
Sligo got off to the best possible start and, not for the first time this season, it was a goal of Derry’s own making.
Keeper, Ger Doherty made a clearance into midfield and when the ball was returned off the head of Joe Kendrick, the home defence allowed it to bounce and the alert Rafeal Cretaro nipped in to drive the ball beyond the reach of the startled home keeper.
However, Derry struck back with Nash heading a Gareth McGlynn free off the upright before the equalised in the 15th minute.
And McGlynn was also heavily involved. Having weaved his way past three Sligo defenders, he set-up McDaid, with the teenager sending a looping shot to the net from the edge of the penalty area.
Derry should have moved into the driving seat in the 23rd minute. A probing cross from the right by McGlynn caught the Sligo defence cold, but as Nash raced in he failed to get the vital touch.
After the break, Sligo regained the initiative when Romauld Boco netted a magnificent goal from a 20 yards free-kick after Ciaran Martyn had upended Cretaro.
The Benin international curled the ball over Derry’s defensive wall to find the top corner of the net.
Sligo maintained their pressure as Derry continued to struggle in the front line and Boco went close to doubling his lead in the 78th minute, as his low shot was well saved by Doherty at the expense of a corner.
Derry City – Doherty; McCallion, O’Brien, Gray, McClean; McGlynn, Molloy, Martyn, Kearney; McDaid, Nash.
Sligo Rovers – Kelly; Ventre, Peers, Keane, Kendrick; Cash, O’Grady, Boco, Doyle; Cretaro, Blinkhorn.
Referee – Mr. D. Tomney (Dublin).
