Shamrock Rovers hit back in thrilling Derry City draw

Irish Premier Division Derry City 3 - 3 Shamrock Rovers FT Derry City let a two-goal advantage slip as Irish Premier Division leaders Shamrock Rovers fought back in a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Brandywell. It looked like the visitors were suffering a hangover from their European exit at the hands of KuPS on Thursday when Ellis Chapman put Derry into the lead after two minutes. Things got even better for the Candystripes when captain Michael Duffy finished off a flowing move in the 15th minute. Highly-rated teenager Michael Noonan pulled a goal back for Rovers, but Derry restored their two-goal advantage when Chapman slotted home his second of the game before the break. After the restart, Tyler Smith was denied by a last-ditch tackle and Chapman fired over from close range to put the game out of sight, and Derry were punished for their missed chances as the league leaders highlighted their title credentials. Graham Burke's bullet header pulled a goal back with 18 minutes left, and substitute Dylan Watts hammered home an equaliser with 10 minutes remaining. Will Fitzgerald went close to an injury-time winner for Rovers when his powerful header was parried away by Tom Norcott in the Derry goal, and substitute Michael McColgan was denied by Ed McGinty in the final play of the match as both sides chased the three points.. The fightback extends Rovers' lead at the top of the standings to five points and Stephen Bradley's side have a game in hand over nearest challengers It is a 13th draw in 29 league matches for Derry City, who sit in sixth place.