Troubled Derry City crashed to another heavy defeat when they were trounced by three goals to nil by in-form Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds on Saturday night. Last year's champions are still searching for their first win of the current campaign and, on the evidence of this dreadful performance, manager Felix Healy faces an uphill task as he tries to put things right.

In contrast to their neighbours in the North West, Sligo have put an unbeaten eight-match run together and their play on Saturday was of the highest order.

Apart from a header by Darren Kelly which crashed against the crossbar in the 20th minute, Derry had little to offer as an attacking force.

It was Sligo who made all the running and their pressure paid off with their first goal in the 36th minute. Neil Ogden found the target with a spectacular 20-yard free kick which went into the net via the upright.

Within four minutes Sligo struck again with a classic goal as Padraig Moran evaded three tackles on a blistering run before sliding the ball past the advancing Declan Devine.

Moran capped a splendid individual display with his second goal of the night in the 76th minute following good work by Falcon Rose.

Derry's misery was complete when full back Robert Brunton was sent off in the last minute after he lashed out at Sligo winger Steve Jones.