Gemma McGuinness scored the historic first goal for Sligo Rovers in the club’s inaugural season in the Women’s National League and now the Donegal native will face her former team when the Bit O’ Red visit Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday for a first-time encounter against Galway United, writes Conall Collier.
Last season saw the end of the line for Galway Womens FC, but the baton was taken over by League of Ireland side Galway United and one of the club’s early recruits for 2023 was McGuinness who had a fine season in 2022 as Sligo Rovers enjoyed an encouraging debut campaign at senior level.
The Bit O’Red will travel to Galway on Saturday still looking for a first win in 2023 after a number of promising outings.
Last weekend at the UCD Bowl against DLR Waves, the Sligo women were well in contention in the opening half, but failed to capitalise on a number of good scoring chances in that first 45 minutes and then conceded in the 46th minute.
That gave hosts DLR Waves the initiative and the Dublin side had enough in the tank to add a couple of more goals in the second-half for a 3-0 victory as Sligo Rovers chased the game.
That, essentially, has been the crucial factor for Sligo Rovers so far this season, a steady performance in each game, but just lacking the finishing touch in front of the posts.
The Galway girls will be full of confidence after last weekend’s draw with Shamrock Rovers.
McGuinness was the goalscorer for Galway with a fine finish in the opening half and it wasn’t until late in the game that the Dublin side salvaged a draw with an equaliser.Kick-off at Eamonn Deacy Park is at 2pm.