However, while the newlook '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.

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

Derry's Billy Dennehy, Ciaran 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 the spot.

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

In the 78th minute Stewart produced a superb shot from just outside the area but impressive Sligo keeper, Richard Brush, produced a magnificent save when turning the ball around the upright.

While Sligo had been forced onto the back foot throughout the second period they had a great chance to steal the points when Cash was sent clear by Dougherty but Derry custodian, Darren Quigley, raced from his line to block the shot in the 82nd minute.

But the home side finished strongly with Brush pulling off another two spectacular saves during the latter stages from Stewart and substitute, Niall McGinn.

Derry City – Quigley; McCallion, McChrystal, Callaghan (McGinn, 59), Hargan; McGlynn, Martyn, Higgins, Dennehy (Morrow, 74); Stewart, Farren (McHugh, 81).

Sligo Rovers – Brush; Coleman, Almeida (Judge, 58), Peers, Ventre; Cash (McTiernan, 84), O'Grady, Ryan, Dougherty; Boco, Cretaro.

Referee- Mr. D. Hancock (Dublin).