Sligo set up FAI Cup semi with Shamrock Rovers after shoot-out win over Derry
Sligo Rovers manager Liam Buckley. Credit: Michael P Ryan (ETPhotos)
On the day Eir CEO Carolan Lennon questioned the local population’s ability to use a phone, Sligo Rovers answered Liam Buckley’s call to secure a place in the FAI Cup semi-finals.
The Bit o’ Red had to do it the hard way as they were taken the full 120 minutes by Derry City before winning 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out.
Rónán Coughlan, Alex Cooper and Garry Buckley found the target from 12 yards while Derry misfired three of their four attempts as their Covid-marred season petered out.
Coach Buckley’s side are now all but guaranteed a place in Europe next season as only the unlikely event of First Division Athlone Town winning the cup will deny them the final spot.
Read back the action as it happened here.
Derry will be left to rue two big misses at the end of normal time, Stephen Mallon denied by Ed McGinty and Cameron McJarrett heading off the crossbar in what was a poor game.
The Candystripes have had little time to prepare for the game after being forced to isolate for a second time following a positive test last week.
The rustiness was apparent in the shootout as Conor McCormack blasted over and Walter Figueira before sub Ibraham Meite’s woeful effort put them out of their misery.
Sligo will now face a trip to Tallaght to face Shamrock Rovers in the semis on Sunday afternoon, while Athlone will host Dundalk in the evening kick-off.
