BY CONALL COLLIER
Gracie Dunaway’s 21st minute goal was sufficient to give Sligo Rovers a hard-earned 1-0 Women’s Premier Division victory against Shelbourne in front of the TG4 cameras at the Showgrounds on Saturday.
Gio Dionicio picked up the player-of-the-match award, but it was a real determined team effort over the 90 minutes with Bonnie McKiernan, Sabrina Hillyer, Olivia Rush and Ella Karolak driving the team forward.
Bit O’Red boss Gavin Hughes made one change from the team that defeated Cork City last weekend with Alice Lillie returning to the starting 11 for Ava Hallinan.
Shelbourne made three changes to the team that got the better of DLR Waves with Mya Sanchez returning between the posts for Jenna Willoughby while Alex Kavanagh and Jess Gargan also started for Nia Hannon and Halle Harcourt.
Sligo Rovers dictated the early exchanges with chances for both Gio Dionicio and Gracie Dunaway, but Shelbourne absorbed the pressure, settled into the game and appeared happy to contain the hosts.
That plan unravelled in the 21st minute when Gracie Dunaway gained possession and her shot from outside the Shelbourne penalty area dropped under the crossbar at the far post for a merited lead goal.
Soon after Anna McDaniel had a chance to extend the lead, but from close range she fired into the side netting.
The Bit O’Red continued to push forward, but Shelbourne finished the half on the front foot without finding an equaliser.
Shelbourne the. resumed the second-half smartly with Maeve Wollmer going close twice on 54 and 56 minutes, but Cara Jordan kept the Dublin women alert when narrowly wide on the hour at the other end.
Shelbourne continued to chase an equaliser and Bonnie McKiernan saved smartly again from Wollmer on 73 minutes and for the remainder, the Bit O’Red stood strong holding on for a victory that moved them into fourth place.
Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Ella Karolak, Alana Doherty, Sabrina Hillyer, Emma Duffy, Cara Jordan, Gracie Dunaway, Olivia Rush, Gio Dionicio, Anna McDaniel.
Subs – Mairead McIntyre for McDaniel 72 mins, Rachel McGoldrick for Dionicio 92m.
Shelbourne – Mya Sanchez; Leah Doyle, Pearl Slattery, Alex Kavanagh, Kate Mooney, Kate Mooney, Isabella Flocchini, Maeve Wollmer, Jessica Gargan, Aoife Kelly, Maggie Pierce, Olivia Damico.
Subs – Brianne Severns for Mooney 72 mins, Nia Hannon for Damico 80m.
Referee – Robert Dowling.
Assistant-referees – Richard Storey, Eric Eaton.
Fourth official – Arnold Hunter.