CIARAN COLL salvaged a draw for Derry City on a night when Sligo Rovers should have claimed all three points at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.
The Bit O’Red led through Max Mata’s first-half goal up to nine minutes from time, when Coll struck.
But moments after the hosts drew level, Estonia midfielder Bogdan Vastsuk spurned a glorious opportunity to fire them back in front.
He raced behind the defence, only to fire horribly wide with just Brian Maher to beat, and was hooked by boss John Russell immediately after his miss.
Vastsuk’s international teammate Frank Liivak went close in injury-time on a night when both sides left with regrets, having allowed Bohemians to extend their lead at the top of the table.
City fired out a statement of attacking intent right from kick-off with their first raid down the left flank.
Ben Doherty’s cross was begging to be converted, but Ryan Graydon at the back post just couldn’t get his head to the ball with the goal at his mercy.
The hosts were then denied a lead goal in bizarre circumstances and a late whistle from referee Adriano Reale.
Jamie McGonigle took control after John Mahon brought Will Patching crashing to the ground and as he raced into the area it seemed as though advantage was being played.
But as he let fly, with a shot that had McNicholas well beaten, Reale finally blew for a foul.
The resulting free-kick came to nothing, much to the annoyance of the home contingent at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.
Their frustration was compounded by the concession of a goal in the 25th minute.
From Rovers’ point of view, however, it was a wonderful team goal. And while Mata got the credit for his fifth goal of the season, a huge chunk of credit was due to Fabrice Hartmann.
His skill and determination on the right enabled him to see off several challenges and switch the play, via Greg Bolger and Will Fitzgerald, to Reece Hutchinson on the left.
Hutchinson’s cross was met by the unmarked Mata at the back post, and his downward header gave goalkeeper Maher no chance.
Mata’s next appearance will be in the white of New Zealand when they take on China in a friendly double-header during the upcoming international window.
His first call since 2019 comes on the back of his form with the Showgrounds side - and he will have the company of his club and country teammate Nando Pijnaker on the long flight home.
There was a lengthy stoppage late in the first-half so that Rovers’ Swedish defender Johan Brannefalk could receive treatment for what looked to be a serious injury.
Eventually he was stretchered off and replaced by Karl O’Sullivan, who quickly picked up an injury of his own and didn’t reappear after half-time.
The expected Derry onslaught after the break didn’t materialise, and the half-chances that fell to Patrick McEleney and Patching didn’t cause too much concern to McNicholas.
But nine minutes from time they finally forced an equaliser. Coll headed home his second ever goal for the Candy Stripes when he converted Doherty’s corner.
Derry survived a couple of scares after that as both sides had to settle for a point.
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