A goal early in each half was sufficient to give DLR Waves the Women’s Premier
Division points with a 2-0 victory at the expense of Sligo Rovers last Sunday at the Belfield Bowl.

The first goal arrived in the fifth minute, but there was an even earlier card when referee Paul Farrell flashed yellow after only 25 seconds with a surprised Sabrina Hillyer the recipient.

That opening goal followed soon after when Bonnie McKiernan was too ambitious with a back pass, DLR’s Siun Murdiff gained possession and rolled the ball to an empty net.

Murdiff was a constant threat as a more physical approach from DLR kept them in the ascendancy with Michelle Doonan going close and Keelin Dodd denied by the crossbar as the hosts bossed the opening 45 minutes.

Sligo Rovers created some chances with Sydney Stephens narrowly wide in the 17th minute and she also tested DLR ‘keeper Summer Lawless with a good shot before Paula McGrory had a chance from a Manu Baptista Filipe pass.

Sligo Rovers resumed the second-half more positively, but were still lethargic in approach.

There was some pinball in the DLR six-yard area on 48 minutes, but the hosts survived while Sydney Stephens and Ava Hallinan had chances.

However, some hesitant defending gave DLR the opening for that second goal on 57 minutes when Amber Cosgrove finished to the net.

Sligo Rovers slowly wrestled control subsequently and in the closing 10 minutes had DLR on the back foot with Cara Jordan denied by a finger-tip Lawless save while a Sydney Stephens effort on 86 minutes was blocked by the home ‘keeper.

DLR Waves – Summer Lawless, Leah Donnelly, Chloe McCarthy, Jess Gleeson, Keelin Dodd, Rachel Doyle, Cliodhna Donnelly, Michelle Doonan, Eve Conheady, Siun Murdiff, M Doyle. Subs – Aisling Meehan for Doyle 57 mins, N Nyangasi for Doyle 78m.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan, Leah Kelly, Ava Hallinan, Emma Hansberry, Cara Jordan, Emma Duffy, Paula McGrory, Manu Baptista Filipe, Sabrina Hillyer, Sydney Stephens, Anna McDaniel. Subs – Cara King for McDaniel and Kelsey McQuillan for Kelly both 64 mins, Alana Doherty for Hallinan 75m.

Referee – Paul Farrell.
Assistant-referees – John Hanney, Shane O’Donoghue.
Fourth official – Dylan Redmond.