BY CONALL COLLIER
Sligo Rovers enjoyed a visit to the RSC on Saturday for the second round of the Women’s FAI Cup where they recorded a a hard-earned victory 2-1 victory against hosts Waterford.
On the back of a six-game Women’s Premier Division unbeaten sequence, the Bit O’Red went into this encounter with new signing Sarah McCaffrey handed her first start.
First-half goals from Sydney Stephens and Anna McDaniel in the opening 15 minutes gave the Bit O’Red a 2-0 interval advantage, but Lauren Egbuloniu pulled one back for Waterford three minutes into the second-half.
Sligo Rovers started well and Sarah McCaffrey had a good effort saved by Maeve Williams in the sixth minute, but the Waterford net-minder was beaten three minutes later when Sydnay Stephens raced clear and placed the ball in the corner.
Anna McDaniel extended the lead with a well-taken goal on 15 minutes and it could have been three on 28 minutes when Cara Jordan brought a good save out of Williams.
Waterford never really threatened for the remainder of the half, but were quickly out of the traps for the second-half with Egbuloniu reducing the deficit when she pounced on a rebound from Mia Lenihan’s corner.
Neither side created any clear-cut chances subsequently until added time when Waterford went close, but the Bit O’Red weathered the late storm.
Waterford – Maeve Williams; Kiara Burke, Meadhbh Doherty, Danielle Burke, Chloe Atkinson, Olivia Shannon, Lauren Egbuloniu, Mia Lenehan, Izzy Walsh, Caroline Carley, Ruby Norris.
Subs – Kaytlin Conroy for K Burke and Stephanie Dumevi both half-time, Fiana Bradley for Shannon 67 mins, Cliodhna Malone for Carley and Aisling Mahony for D Burke 87m.
Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Sabrina Hillyer, Alana Doherty, Ella Karolak, Emma Duffy, Sarah McCaffrey, Cara Jordan, Sydney Stephens, Anna McDaniel, Cara King. Subs – Ava Hallinan for Hillyer and Paula McGrory for McCaffrey both 66 mins, Rachel McGoldrick for McDaniel 89m
Referee – Ryan Maher.
Assistant – referees – Simon Drislande, Paul Braganza.