Sligo Rovers 0 Derry City 0:DERRY CITY'S pursuit of the Premier League's top two remains on course but the Candystripes' mettle was severely tested in this gripping encounter at the Showgrounds on Saturday night.

On a night when goalkeepers and defences took centre stage the fans were still left to wonder how so many scoring chances went a begging. Derry boss Stephen Kenny praised both sides.

"We could have won, we could have lost, but it was a brilliant game, not a typical 0-0 at all. Sligo caught us on the counterattack too often for my liking but our application was good and we were very committed - but we are not the finished article," said Kenny.

Paul Cooke was full of praise for his team, especially Benin international Romauld Boco who had a hatful of gilt-edged chances but failed to get one on target.

"This was as good a performance as I have seen from Sligo since I came here. It's a competitive league and difficult to win games and Derry are a top team. It would have been an injustice if we were beaten tonight," said Cooke.

Rovers goalkeeper Richard Brush was in top form, crowning his night with a brilliant 13th minute tip-over that denied Kevin McHugh a stunning opener.

Brush also denied former Linfield player Thomas Stewart's effort in the 79th minute.

Niall McGinn drilled a 30-yard shot wide on 29 minutes and Boco blasted an Anto Murphy cross wide at the other end on the half -hour mark. Derry goalkeeper Gerard Doherty also excelled with stunning saves to deny Boco. Derry skipper Gareth McGlynn also went close after 60 minutes.

SLIGO ROVERS: Brush, Coleman, Butler, Peers, Almeida, O'Grady, Cretaro, Ventre, Murphy, Boco, Doherty. Subs: Judge for Coleman (40); Cash for Doherty (67); McKenzie for Murphy (75).

DERRY CITY: Doherty, McChrystal, Gray, Higgins, Martyn, McHugh, Sammon, McGlynn, Deery, McGinn, Delaney. Subs: Stewart for McHugh (64); Farren for Sammon (73); Molloy for Martin (87).

Referee: P Tuite (Dublin).