Derry City 1 Sligo Rovers 1:STEPHEN KENNY made no fewer than eight changes to the side which defeated Cork City in the FAI Cup last Tuesday night and, at one stage in this game against Sligo, that decision threatened to backfire.

However, while the new-look Candystripes clearly dominated the ball for long spells, it was Sligo who led at the break with ex-Derry midfielder, Conor O'Grady finding the net in the 31st minute.

Séamus Coleman crossed in a low ball from the right and as the home defence dithered, O'Grady raced in to flick the ball on and then deftly chip it over startled goalkeeper Darren Quigley.

Derry's Billy Dennehy, Ciarán Martyn and Thomas Stewart all threatened to restore equality before the interval but all three failed to the hit the target when well-placed.

After the break, the home side continued to romp forward in search of the equaliser and it duly arrived in the 65th minute from the penalty spot.

Brian Cash was adjudged to have hauled Martyn down to earth off the ball when inside the area in the 65th minute and referee Damien Hancock immediately pointed to the spot.

Up stepped Stewart and, for the second time in four days, the Derry hitman produced an emphatic finish from the spot.

The home side finished strongly with Sligo goalkeeper Richard Brush pulling off two spectacular saves late on from Stewart and substitute Niall McGinn.

DERRY CITY:Quigley; McCallion, McChrystal, Callaghan (McGinn, 59 mins), Hargan; McGlynn, Martyn, Higgins, Dennehy (Morrow, 74 mins); Stewart, Farren (McHugh, 81 mins).

SLIGO ROVERS:Brush; Coleman, Almeida (Judge, 58 mins), Peers, Ventre; Cash (McTiernan, 84 mins), O'Grady, Ryan, Dougherty; Boco, Cretaro.

Referee:D Hancock (Dublin).