Dalymount Park, 27 September 2025
Sligo Rovers fell 3–2 to a young Bohemian side in the final league game of the season at Dalymount Park. Rovers twice came from behind to level the game, but a late penalty in added time allowed the hosts to clinch the win. Despite the defeat, Rovers showed resilience and created numerous chances against a team with one eye on the FAI Cup final.
Line-ups
Bohemian:
Racheal Kelly (C); Roisin McGovern, Fiona Donnelly, Aoibhe Brennan, Katie Malone (Alannah McEvoy 62); Savannah Kane, Robin Baird (Sarah Power 46), Emma Gaughran (Katie Lovely 46), Leiagh Glennon (Katie McCarn 73); Hannah O’Brien (Sarah McKevitt 62), Michelle Muddiman
Substitutes: Jenna Willoughby, Alannah McEvoy, Sarah McKevitt, Sarah Power, Abby Rooney, Katie Lovely, Katie McCarn, Lillian Rusher, Alex Devoy
Sligo Rovers:
Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie (Louise Masterson 90), Eimear Lafferty, Kate Nugent, Katie Melly; Muireann Devaney, Emma Hansberry (C), Alana Doherty, Mairead McIntyre (Rachel McGoldrick 69); Paula McGrory, Anna McDaniel (Bernie Ferreira 85)
Substitutes: Louise Masterson, Bernie Ferreira, Rachel McGoldrick, Ava Hallinan, Lauren Devaney, Sarah McDaniel
Referee: Arnold Hunter | Attendance: 467
The hosts started strongly and pinned Rovers in their box, with Katie Malone opening the scoring from a near-post header off a corner in the third minute. Bohemian continued to press and keep Rovers under pressure during the opening stages. Bonnie McKiernan was especially busy between the sticks, making numerous saves to keep the scoreline close despite the sustained pressure.
The match soon became an end-to-end contest. Rovers responded positively, with Emma Hansberry’s diagonal ball setting up Anna McDaniel, who controlled it brilliantly with her left before calmly slotting past Racheal Kelly with her right to level the score. Chances flowed at both ends, with Bonnie McKiernan continuing to make key interventions, including a show-reel save from Leiagh Glennon and a vital block from Aoibhe Brennan. Rovers’ defence, led by Eimear Lafferty and Alana Doherty, remained disciplined, containing the hosts’ attacks.
Just after the half-hour mark, Bonnie McKiernan was exposed on the edge of her box, allowing Katie Malone to pounce on a loose ball. The forward calmly slotted it past her and into the empty net for her second of the day, restoring the hosts’ 2–1 advantage.
In added time before half-time, Mairead McIntyre fired a shot at Racheal Kelly, who parried it, but the rebound fell to Paula McGrory, who slotted home a well-deserved equaliser, reflecting Rovers’ persistence. Steve Feeney went into the changing rooms content with what he had seen.
The second half saw the hosts drive for a decisive breakthrough. Katie Malone came close to completing her hat-trick, her effort narrowly missing the target, before an added-time penalty following Alana Doherty’s challenge allowed Alannah McEvoy to slot home and re-establish Bohemian’s lead. Rovers brought on Bernie Ferreira and Rachel McGoldrick, who created opportunities, while Bonnie McKiernan produced crucial saves to keep their hopes alive. Despite their efforts, the hosts held firm to secure a 3–2 win.
Sligo Rovers return to the Showgrounds for their final home game of the year as they host DLR Waves next Saturday, 4 October.
Jack Dempsey