Premier Division· Season 2025
Match Summary
Derry City defeated Sligo Rovers 1:0. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by M. Duffy 90′. 3 yellow cards were shown. Derry City had 56% possession while Sligo Rovers held 44%. Derry City had 20 shots (7 on target) compared to 6 (2 on target) for Sligo Rovers. Derry City made 3 substitutions, Sligo Rovers made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Derry City and Sligo Rovers — 1 goal and 3 cards recorded during the match.
Match Statistics
Derry City had 56% possession against Sligo Rovers's 44%. Derry City registered 20 shots (7 on target) while Sligo Rovers managed 6 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 5–4. Fouls committed: 5–6.
Lineups
Derry City lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under Tiernan Lynch, while Sligo Rovers deployed a 4-2-3-1 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 29 goals and 20 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 6.88 on average, against Sligo Rovers's 4-man backline averaging 6.96. 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 7.15, versus Sligo Rovers's 5 rated 6.78. 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 6.88, compared to 1 for Sligo Rovers averaging 6.63. 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 —% for Derry City and 68% 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 73 yellow cards this season, compared to 14 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 27.5 (youngest: H. Cann (22), oldest: M. Connolly (34)), while Sligo Rovers average 22.6 (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 12 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.
Substitutes
Coach: Tiernan Lynch
Substitutes
Coach: John Russell
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 63 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.10 per match (35 for the home side, 28 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 12 matches (40%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 11 games (37%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 5–4 in 2024.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
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