SLIGO Rovers established a commanding lead in the final of the North West Cup when they beat under strength Derry City 3-0 in the first leg at the Showgrounds last night.

Derry rested seven regulars and they were up against it right from the start as Sligo went in search of an early goal. Their pressure brought its reward in the 32nd minute when midfielder Lee Thew headed home from close range and he completed a hat trick with late second half goals.