No joy for Gareth McElroy in Premier Division opener

Gareth McElroy’s Sligo Rovers were defeated in the opening game of the League of Ireland Premier Division on Friday night by Derry City.

Sligo took the lead in the North West derby through Jad Hakiki, with Burnfoot man McElroy starting for the Bit O’Red.

But an 82nd minute equaliser from Alex Bannon, followed by an added time winner from Josh Thomas gave the Brandywell side the win on home turf.

Lettermacaward man Carl McHugh and Shane Blaney from Letterkenny were unused substitutes for John Russell’s beaten side as McElroy played the full game.

In the Irish Cup, Burt native Mark Coyle started for Coleraine as they defeated Carrick Rangers in extra-time of the last 16.

READ NEXT: Seamus Coleman assists suspended David Moyes as Everton edge Fulham

Ben Wylie’s goal was cancelled out by Adam Lecky, but an extra-time hat-trick from Matthew Shovlin gave the Bannsiders the win and passage into the last eight, with former Finn Harps man Mikey Place starting for the home side.

Fintan Doherty was an unused substitute as Limavady United produced the shock of the tournament in defeating Linfield.

The Championship team beat the 44-time champions 1-0 thanks to Ryan McNickle’s first-half goal as they meet Coleraine in the quarter-finals.

Illies man Stephen Doherty started for Institute in their tie against Loughgall, with former Finn Harps manager Darren Murphy guiding his Loughgall team to victory by a score of 2-1.