Sligo Rovers fought back to earn a point in a breathtaking 2-2 draw with Cork City in the Airtricity League Premier Division clash at the Showgrounds tonight.
Goals from Ian Turner and Vinny Sullivan gave City a two-goal lead, but Mark Quigley's free-kick and penalty ensured Sligo avoided a rare home loss.
It was a thrilling match, with both sides enjoying countless chances and Quigley fluffed a chance to win it for the home side with a header from six yards out in stoppage time.
Pascal Millien and John Dillon were handed starts for Sligo, as Joseph Ndo and Raffaele Cretaro missed out.
Cork left new signing Keigan Parker on the bench, while Daryl Horgan was passed fit despite an injury concern.
City took the lead in the sixth minute as Turner's shot deflected off David Cawley and past Gary Rogers.
City were looking dangerous on the break against a nervy Sligo defence, but the home side have created plenty of chances with Seamus Conneely just failing to get a touch on Gaynor's delivery into the area in the 16th minute. The lively Millien was in excellent form for Sligo as he shot over from distance.
Danny Murphy's sensational pass then freed Horgan who shot straight at Rogers to continue the end-to-end sequence in the first period.
Sligo continued their efforts to force an equaliser, but it was Cork that struck next as Sullivan's brilliant finish found the bottom corner in the 58th minute.
Prior to that goal, Mark Quigley was introduced for the home side and he proved key to a comeback by Sligo.
The substitute converted a free-kick with 26 minutes remaining, curling the ball into the top corner from over 20 yards out.
It looked as if Cork would hold out until Danny North earned a penalty following Kalen Spillane's trip and Quigley lashed home from the spot with seven minutes left.
Quigley could have won it for Sligo as he missed a gilt-edged chance for a hat-trick, heading over from six yards with just Cork stopper Mark McNulty to beat.
Sligo are now four points clear of Drogheda United ahead of next week's intriguing fixtures amongst the title challengers.
Sligo Rovers: Gary Rogers; Seamus Conneely, Gavin Peers, Jason McGuinness, Ross Gaynor; Pascal Millien, David Cawley, Danny Ventre (Lee Lynch, 77), Romauld Boco (Ryan Connolly, 72), John Dillon (Mark Quigley, 53); Danny North.
Subs not used: Richard Brush, Jeff Henderson, Martin Owens, Raffaele Cretaro.
Cork City: Mark McNulty; Colin Healy, Gavin Kavanagh, Kalen Spillane, Danny Murphy; Ian Turner, Shane Duggan, John Dunleavy, Daryl Horgan; Vinny Sullivan (Andy O’Connell, 90), Davin O’Neill (Keigan Parker, 82).
Subs not used: Kevin Burns, Kevin Murray, Neal Horgan, Stephen Kenny, Graham McCarthy.
