Menu

Derry City vs Sligo Rovers

22 April 2025 at 19:45The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry
Referee: M. Lynch

Match Summary

Derry City defeated Sligo Rovers 3:0. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by D. Mullen 15′, G. Whyte 25′, D. Mullen 46′. 6 yellow cards were shown. Derry City had 47% possession while Sligo Rovers held 53%. Derry City had 16 shots (7 on target) compared to 9 (2 on target) for Sligo Rovers. Derry City made 5 substitutions, Sligo Rovers made 5.

Match Events

Key match events between Derry City and Sligo Rovers — 3 goals and 6 cards recorded during the match.

Match Statistics

Derry City had 47% possession against Sligo Rovers's 53%. Derry City registered 16 shots (7 on target) while Sligo Rovers managed 9 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 5–1. Fouls committed: 12–8.

Shots on Goal
7
2
Shots Off Goal
4
7
Total Shots
16
9
Blocked Shots
5
0
Shots inside the Box
13
6
Shots outside the Box
3
3
Fouls
12
8
Corner Kicks
5
1
Offsides
0
2
Ball Possession
47%
53%
Yellow Cards
2
4
Red Cards
0
0
Goalkeeper Saves
2
4
Total Passes
418
490
Accurate Passes
322
395
Pass Accuracy
77%
81%
Expected Goals (xG)
0
0
Goals Prevented (xGP)
0
0

Lineups

Derry City lined up in a 5-3-2 formation under Tiernan Lynch, while Sligo Rovers deployed a 4-3-3 under John Russell.

Squad Ratings

The overall squad rating for Derry City is 6.98, compared to 6.87 for Sligo Rovers. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Derry City's highest-rated starter is M. Duffy (7.55), while Sligo Rovers's best-rated player is S. Sargeant (7.26).

Attacking Output

The starting XI of Derry City have contributed 30 goals and 24 assists this season, led by M. Duffy (12G). Sligo Rovers's starters account for 6 goals and 3 assists, spearheaded by W. Fitzgerald (4G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.

Defensive Solidity

Derry City deploy 4 defenders rated 6.89 on average, against Sligo Rovers's 3-man backline averaging 6.89. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.

Midfield Control

Derry City field 4 midfielders averaging 7.19, versus Sligo Rovers's 4 rated 6.53. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.

Forward Threat

Derry City start 2 forward(s) averaging 6.87, compared to 3 for Sligo Rovers averaging 6.83. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.

Passing & Build-Up

Passing accuracy averages 41% for Derry City and 64% for Sligo Rovers. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.

Discipline

Derry City's starters have collected 49 yellow cards this season, compared to 10 for Sligo Rovers. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.

Age & Experience

The average age of Derry City's starting XI is 29.7 (youngest: R. Boyce (24), oldest: M. Connolly (34)), while Sligo Rovers average 23.0 (youngest: G. McElroy (18), oldest: S. Sargeant (28)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.

Squad Depth

Derry City's starters average 24 league appearances each, versus 13 for Sligo Rovers. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.

Derry City5-3-24-3-3Sligo Rovers
GKDEFMIDFWD
1Maher2Boyce6Connolly22Holt24Todd13Benson7Duffy20Winches.17Thomas11Whyte21Mullen29Sargeant46Reynolds52McElroy21Mahon3Hutchin.8Hakiki49Doyle-H.12Manning47Elding11Kavanagh7Fitzger.

Substitutes

Coach: Tiernan Lynch

Substitutes

Coach: John Russell

Derry CityPosition StrengthSligo Rovers
6.98
Avg Rating
6.87
6.91Goalkeeper (1 v 1)7.26
0G 0A0G 0A
6.89Defender (4 v 3)6.89
6G 3A0G 0A
7.19Midfielder (4 v 4)6.53
13G 15A1G 0A
6.87Forward (2 v 3)6.83
11G 6A5G 3A
Derry City5-3-2
1GoalkeeperB. Maher6.9
2DefenderR. Boyce6.92G1A
6DefenderM. Connolly6.91G
22DefenderK. Holt7.12G
13DefenderR. Benson6.71G2A
24MidfielderS. Todd7.01G2A
7MidfielderM. Duffy7.512G11A
20MidfielderC. Winchester7.02A
17MidfielderD. Thomas
11ForwardG. Whyte6.94G5A
21ForwardD. Mullen6.97G1A
Sligo Rovers4-3-3
29GoalkeeperS. Sargeant7.3
52DefenderG. McElroy6.9
21DefenderJ. Mahon
3DefenderR. Hutchinson
46MidfielderC. Reynolds
8MidfielderJ. Hakiki6.51G
49MidfielderJ. Doyle-Hayes
12MidfielderR. Manning
47ForwardO. Elding
11ForwardC. Kavanagh6.61G1A
7ForwardW. Fitzgerald7.04G2A

Rivalry since 2019

Derry City vs Sligo Rovers Head to Head Results· 30

Derry City and Sligo Rovers have met 30 times — Derry City won 12, Sligo Rovers won 9, with 9 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2019. Derry City leads the head-to-head with 12 victories from 30 meetings. A combined 61 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.03 per match (33 for the home side, 28 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 12 matches (40%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 10 games (33%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 5–4 in 2024.

Drawn
9
·
Total goals
61 · 2.0/match
Both scored
12/30 · 40%
Over 2.5
10/30 · 33%

Recent Meetings

Match Details
Match Details
09/01/26Friendlies Clubs
Match Details
Match Details
Match Details
Match Details
21/01/25Friendlies Clubs
Match Details
Match Details
Match Details
Match Details
Highest-scoring game: 54 v 2024

Recent Form

WWonDDrawnLLost

In their last 6 matches, Derry City have recorded 5 wins, 1 draw and 0 defeats. Sligo Rovers show 3 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss from their last 6 outings.

Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

API data: 11 May 2026