Aaron McEneffGetty Images

McEneff left Derry and joined Rovers in 2019 and has enjoyed spells at Hearts and Perth Glory since

Jana McCabe
BBC Sport NI contributor

A late winner from Aaron McEneff sealed a comeback 2-1 win for Shamrock Rovers at Derry City to extend their lead at the top of the League of Ireland.

After a goalless first half, Danny Mullen gave Derry the lead not long after his introduction from the bench on 65 minutes.

Rovers substitute Michael Noonan drew the sides level just four minutes later before former Candystripes midfielder McEneff snatched the winner in the 89th minute.

The 29-year-old, who played over 100 times for Derry City, was booked for his celebrations after the goal.

The visitors are now unbeaten in their last seven games and have increased their lead over third-placed Derry to eight points.

Despite early pressure from both sides, neither keeper had a save to make in the opening 20 minutes with Michael Duffy's acrobatic attempt not testing Ed McGinty and Danny Grant blasting an effort well over the crossbar at the other end.

The home side enjoyed majority of the possession in the opening 45 minutes with Gavin Whyte heavily involved in the action, providing Liam Boyce with a chance to break the deadlock midway through the half.

Rovers felt they should have had a penalty when Aaron Greene's shot struck the arm of Hayden Cann but their protests were waved away by referee Marc Lynch.

As the quiet first half drew to a close, Brian Maher was forced to make a save low down to deny Graham Burke's effort with the forward having a shot from range easily gathered by Maher shortly after.

Danny Mullen scores for Derry CityGetty Images

Mullen opened the scoring after a goalless first half

The second half offered more attacking chances with Boyce and Burke going close for their respective sides but it was the replacements who made the difference.

On the hour, Derry boss Tiernan Lynch threw on Paul McMullan and Danny Mullen, and four minutes later the pair combined to open the scoring with Mullen latching onto McMullan's looping cross to fire past McGinty in the Rovers goal.

The lead did not last for long as 16-year-old Noonan - who came on just before the opening goal - headed home the equaliser.

An ambitious effort for Roberto Lopes from 35 yards was tipped onto the crossbar by Maher in the Derry goal but it fell straight to teenager Noonan.

Stephen Bradley's men upped the tempo and came close to taking the lead when Josh Honahan weaved his way around multiple red and white shirts before sending an effort narrowly wide.

Adam Matthews then made a crucial block to deflect Duffy's strong strike to safety, to the relief of the travelling fans.

However, the goals weren't done though as with just two minutes of normal time left the away side took the lead with McEneff converting Danny Mandroiu's pass from close range to secure the three points for Shamrock Rovers against his former side.