Sligo Rovers are back at home this Bank Holiday Monday evening to face St Patrick’s Athletic at the Showgrounds, kick-off 5pm. 

Today’s Match Sponsor is Sligo Junction, Collooney while Match Ball Sponsor is Sealtec. 

The Bit O’Red will look to return to winning ways after defeat to Drogheda United on Friday ended a four match unbeaten run. 

Mark Doyle hit the game’s only goal in the opening quarter and despite Rovers asking plenty of United in the second half, John Russell’s side were unable to breach a dogged Drogs rearguard.

Tonight’s game is the second meeting between Rovers and the Saints this term. Stephen Kenny’s side came out the winners in our meeting last month, despite Sligo taking an early lead. 

The Dubliners will arrive on Church Hill this afternoon on the back of two wins, two defeats and a draw in their last five. The Inchicore based outfit surrendered a two goal lead in Galway on Friday night, allowing Shamrock Rovers to take the top spot going into today’s round of games after the Tribesmen struck in the fourth minute of added time to claim a 2-2 draw.

Rovers have a mixed record at the Showgrounds against the Saints in recent seasons with three wins and the same number of defeats on home soil against Pat’s in the last three seasons. Pat’s last visit to Sligo ended in a one goal win for Rovers with Jad Hakiki hitting the winner that day. 

Russell will potentially be without a number of players for today’s game. While a few bodies will be assessed this afternoon after picking up niggles in that loss in Louth.   

This evening is a chance for Rovers to quickly bounce back from that defeat at Sullivan and Lambe Park and Russell has reiterated that ahead of the game.

“We were very disappointed with how things ended up in Drogheda. I thought we struggled a little in the first half but we dominated the play in the second”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“I thought our hard work, the amount of chances we had in the second half and our heavy press meant we deserved something out of the game.

“How and ever it wasn’t to be but Drogheda away is done with now.

“The positive is that we have a nice quick turnaround to the Pat’s game that keeps us on our toes. We’re down bodies again and it will be tough but it’s a huge chance for players to come in and impress.

“Pat’s are near the top for a reason. They have a really big squad and have experience and class to call upon when needed and tonight’s game will be a real challenge for us.

“But I thought we did everything well in the second half in Drogheda. We did everything bar put the ball past their keeper and I think if we can keep that momentum running into this game, then we’ll do well.”

David Goulden

BY CONALL COLLIER

Super Sydney Stephens deputised as Sligo Rovers captain and helped herself to a hat-trick in a 5-1 Women’s Premier Division (WPD) victory against Bohemian FC at the Showgrounds on Saturday.

This was a first WPD win of the season for the Bit O’Red with goals from Stephens (two) and Cara King for a 3-0 interval advantage and Cara Jordan and Stephens completed the tally in the 54^th and 93^rd minutes respectively for a comprehensive victory.

Despite the scoreline, Bohemians probably left the Showgrounds wondering how they hadn’t scored in the opening half, but they had to wait until the 85^th minute for Alex Devoy’s consolation goal.

The Bit O’Red starting 11 featured two changes from the draw against Peamount with Alana Doherty and Cara King starting in place of Emma Hansberry and Paula McGrory.

There were four changes for Bohemian FC following the defeat by Treaty Utd last weekend with Savannah Kane, Aoife Fennell, Leiagh Glennon and Hannah O’Brien favoured in place of Ciara Maher, Alannah McEvoy, Sarah McKevitt and Aoife Sheridan.

The Dublin women created some good early chances with Katie Malone’s ninth minute effort flashing over the bar and soon after the quality of that bar was tested when her well-struck shot rebounded and was cleared by a relieved Bit O’Red defence.

However midway through the half Sydney Stephens got her first goal when she broke through from Cara Jordan’s pass and rifled past Rachael Kelly.

Stephens then put pressure on the Bohemians defence from the resultant kick-off and almost grabbed a second goal, but Bohemians averted the danger,

Stephens was in creative mode in the 26^th minute when she won a race for possession in the penalty area with Rachael Kelly and her low cross was scrambled over the line by Cara King.

Trailing by two didn’t deter Bohemians and on the half hour Bonnie McKiernan produced a sensational save to deny Hannah O’Brien while at the other end, Stephens grabbed her side’s third goal with a deft header that crept inside the post from Sabrina Hillyer’s free and that 3-0 interval advantage.

Stephens maintained her input in the second-half and carved the opening for Cara Jordan’s 54^th minute goal that effectively sealed the victory.

Bohemians kept pushing forward and were rewarded with that late Devoy goal, but Stephens took the plaudits when she claimed her hat-trick in the 93^rd minute. She dispossessed Sarah Power and cut in from the sideline to finish from an acute angle.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan, Kelsey McQuillan, Alic Lillie, Alana Doherty, Cara Jordan, Manu Baptista Filipe, Sabrina Hillyer, Sydney Stephens, Cara King, Anna McDaniel.

 Subs – Leah Kelly for McQuillan and Abbey Rooney for McDaniel both 61 mins, Mairead McIntyre for King and Rachel McGoldrick for Manu both 79m, Ava Hallinan for Hiller 86m.

Bohemian FC – Rachael Kelly, Lisa Murphy, Hannah Healy, Katie Malone, Sarah Power, Aoife Brophy, Savannah Kane, Katie Lovely, Aoife Fennell, Leiagh Glennon, Hannah O’Brien. 

Subs – Robin Baird for Murphy half-time, Aoife Brennan for Lovely, Alannah McEvoy for Malone and Lauren McCabe for O’Brien all 57 mins,

Referee – Oisin Walsh.

Assistant-referees – Ciaran O’Reilly, Niall McLoughlin.

Fourth official – Richard Storey.

Sligo Rovers men’s senior team slipped back to ninth spot in the Premier Division table after a narrow one goal defeat to Drogheda United at Sullivan and Lambe Park.

Mary Doyle struck for the game’s only goal in the first half and although Rovers dominated the play in the second period, the Bit O’Red’s four match unbeaten streak ultimately came to an end. 

Drogs went ahead on 14 minutes when Conor Keeley guided Brandon Kavanagh’s corner towards Doyle who fired past Sam Sargeant from two yards out. 

Rovers weren’t at our best in the opening 45 but did have a chance late in the half courtesy of a Carl McHugh header.

While John Russell’s charges were denied a penalty when former full back Edwin Agbaje missed his attempt at clearing Archie Meekison’s cross. 

The ball hopped up and clearly struck the defender’s arm, changing the trajectory of the ball. However referee Kevin O’Sullivan saw the incident differently and immediately waved away Sligo’s claims. 

Rovers were much sharper in the second period, with Sargeant going long periods without being tested. 

At the far end, Meekison worked Flynn Talley with a header from a Sean Stewart cross while Sean McHale nodded Meekison’s corner onto the roof of the net shortly after. 

It was Rovers who were asking all the questions in the second half, but it wasn’t to be for the away side who move on to Monday’s game with St Patrick’s Athletic. Kick-off at the Showgrounds is 5pm. 

Drogheda United: Flynn Talley; Edwin Agbaje, Andrew Quinn, Conor Keeley, Conor Kane; Ryan Brennan, Shane Farrell; Warren Davis (Jason Bucknor, 81), Brandon Kavanagh (Jago Godden, 61), Thomas Oluwa; Mark Doyle (Kieran Cruise, 71).

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Sean McHale, Gareth McElroy, Ollie Denham, Sean Stewart (Alex Nolan, 75); Carl McHugh, James McManus; Archie Meekison; Daire Patton (Mai Traore, 82), Cian Kananagh, Will Fitzgerald.

Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan

Sligo Rovers will look to win four Premier Division games in a row for the first time since summer 2024 as we travel to Sullivan and Lambe Park to take on Drogheda United this Friday, kick-off 7.45pm. 

This will be the Bit O’Red’s first visit to Windmill Road this season, as Rovers look to win at the County Louth venue for the first time since 2022.

Recent impressive form sees John Russell’s men unbeaten in four and seeking as many wins on the spin ahead of another busy bank holiday weekend with St Pat’s the visitors to Sligo on Monday evening. 

Rovers come into this game in seventh position, one point ahead of Drogs following straight wins over Bohs, Waterford and Dundalk. While United, who have one game less played, find themselves second from bottom following recent defeats to St Pat’s and Galway. Although they did pull off a magnificent comeback win over Shelbourne last weekend, winning 4-3 after being two goals down. 

Rovers will look to win for the fourth time on the bounce for the first time in almost two years. The last time Rovers achieved such a feat was in June and July 2024 with consecutive defeats of Galway, Bohs, Derry and Shamrock Rovers. 

Friday’s contest will be the second meeting between the clubs in 2026. 

The now in-form Will Fitzgerald opened the scoring when the sides last went up against each other at the Showgrounds in March. Mark Doyle replied to Alex Nolan’s goal shortly after Nolan had put Rovers two ahead, but Sligo held out for what was our first win of the season. 

Seeking that first win in Drogheda as Rovers boss, Russell will again be missing the injured Ryan O’Kane, Conor Renolds, Seb Quirk and Ciaron Harkin for this one. As of Thursday morning, it looks likely that both Jeannot Esua and Jad Hakiki will also have to sit this one out due to knocks picked up in the win over Dundalk. 

“We may be down a few bodies again which is really frustrating”, Russell tells sligorovers.com ahead of the game.

“A week or two ago, it looked like lads were coming back in but unfortunately, we are down a few more going to Drogheda. However, that’s football and we’re in really good form going up there and we have proven before that we can come away with good results by using our full squad. We have huge belief in everyone involved and the last few weeks have proven that we have some really good players in our squad who can make a real difference at any point. 

“We’re going up there to win and keep this run going. We’ve been really impressive all over the pitch in our last few games so we’re encouraging the players to keep this run going.

A win for Rovers would be a first on Boyneside in nine attempts should we come out on top. With this to the front of minds, Russell knows the enormity of the task at hand. 

“We’re under now illusions as to how tough this game will be. They’ll be riding high after last week’s win at Tolka. It’ll do a lot for them. They’re a very strong side and they can really hurt you up there. There’s always good noise up there and they feed off the crowd when things are going well. We’ve been on the wrong side of it a few times in the last few years but we’re looking forward to getting out there again. 

“It’s up to us to keep them quiet and go about our own business.”

David Goulden

Sligo Football and Sport Development Society Ltd t/a Sligo Rovers FC held its Annual General Meeting in the Clayton Hotel on Tuesday, 28 April 2026, with a strong attendance both in person and online.

Thomas Casserly and Mark Cummins stepped down from the Management Committee, with both thanked for their service and contribution to the club.

The club confirmed a budget of EUR 2.9 million for 2026, while accounts for 2025 showed a deficit of EUR 45,000. Income increased by 13 percent and expenditure rose by 11 percent compared to 2024. Financial performance has improved significantly over the past two years, with losses reduced from EUR 299,000 in 2023 to EUR 45,000 in 2025. However, members were advised that the club has operated under financial strain in recent years, relying on a bank overdraft, committee loans, and payment arrangements with key suppliers to maintain operations. The Treasurer received strong appreciation from members following the presentation of the accounts, while sponsors, volunteers, and fundraising efforts were also acknowledged for their continued support.

In his address, Chairperson Tommy Higgins said that Sligo Rovers remains determined to compete at the top end of the table, but acknowledged that the club’s current operating model is under scrutiny. He noted that football clubs, both domestically and abroad, are operating with significantly higher budgets and, in many cases, substantial debt. It was agreed that the Management Committee will examine the club’s funding and structural model in detail over the coming months, with findings to be presented to members at a Special General Meeting.

Outgoing Development Officer Mark Cummins will continue his involvement with the Stadium Masterplan and was thanked for his long-standing contribution to the committee. An update confirmed that the project remains on schedule, with construction targeted to begin in February 2027 and completion projected for September 2028.

The following individuals were elected to the Management Committee:

Kathy Burke, Ryan Davey, Michael Doddy, Shaun Dunne, Lorraine Finnegan, Shona Heffernan, Martin Heraghty, Tommy Higgins, Paddy Houze, Donal Kelly, Brendan Lacken, Dáire Martin, Martin McDonald, Michael Toolan, Anthony Quinn.

Following the AGM, the Management Committee appointed the following officers:

Chairperson: Tommy Higgins

Vice-Chairperson: Shona Heffernan

Secretary: Brendan Lacken

Compliance Officer: Martin Heraghty

Fundraising Officer: Donal Kelly

Sligo Rovers operates as a cooperative society and is directly shaped by its members. Those wishing to become a member of the society are invited to contact the club at info@sligorovers.com.

Sligo Rovers are delighted to announce a new partnership with University College Dublin Smurfit Postgraduate Students, delivered through the ENFUSE programme, a collaborative initiative supported by Enterprise Ireland and Dublin City Council.

The ENFUSE programme connects organisations with high-performing postgraduate students from one of Ireland’s most competitive Master’s programmes in project management, giving students the opportunity to work on live, real-world challenges while delivering professional, research-informed outputs to partner organisations.

As part of this partnership, two student groups – comprising 10 UCD MSc Project Management students, will work directly with Sligo Rovers, contributing over 1,000 hours of structured consultancy across the duration of the programme. The work will focus on projects aligned with the club’s strategic and operational priorities following the Annual General Meeting, providing Sligo Rovers with a level of insight, analysis and delivery capacity that would rarely be accessible to a volunteer-led club.

The scale of the collaboration allows for multiple workstreams to be progressed in parallel, creating practical, high-quality outputs that can support the club’s long-term development both on and off the pitch.

The partnership will be led on behalf of the club by Dáire Martin, a member of the Sligo Rovers Management Committee, and a dedicated subcommittee, who will oversee strategic engagement between UCD and the club throughout the programme.

Commenting on the partnership, Dáire said:

“From the outset, we were very deliberate about structuring this partnership in a way that would deliver genuine strategic value for Sligo Rovers while also providing a high-quality, real-world learning experience for the students.

Having two postgraduate teams dedicating over 1,000 hours of professional-level work allows us to progress ambitious projects in a way that simply wouldn’t otherwise be possible for a volunteer-led club. Just as importantly, the partnership reflects what Sligo Rovers stands for, collaboration, community and creating opportunities that benefit the club while contributing to the development of emerging professionals.

With our centenary year approaching and a major development project on the horizon, the timing of this partnership is particularly significant for both the club and the wider region.”

Joe Houghton, Programme Director of the MSc Project Management programme at UCD Smurfit, welcomed the collaboration, calling it “a match made in heaven” and that partnering with entities like Sligo Rovers have always been part of the programme’s ethos. He also remarked that “the passion and commitment of the Sligo Rovers team meshes perfectly with the excitement and drive of our students”.

Paul Corcoran, Project Lead for one of the Student Groups and who was welcomed to the Showgrounds today with his student team said “Sligo Rovers is a club full of potential, and we see it as a great opportunity to apply our learnings to a true stalwart in the League of Ireland. It’s truly a privilege to get the chance to veto work with great people, all so passionate about this magnificent club”

This partnership further strengthens Sligo Rovers’ role as a community-anchored club that continues to innovate, adapt and build meaningful relationships with educational and civic partners for mutual benefit.

David Goulden at the Showgrounds

Match Sponsor: Hegarty and Armstrong Solcitors.

Match Ball Sponsor: EngDoc.

Sligo Rovers’ steady upturn in form continued as goals from Will Fitzgerald and Cian Kavanagh saw an impressive Bit O’Red pick up our third win on the spin, beating in-form Dundalk at the Showgrounds.

The result sees Rovers jump over both Drogheda and Shelbourne and into seventh spot and inflicts a first defeat in nine on the Lilywhites who were kept scoreless for just the second time this season. The victory extends Rovers’ unbeaten run to four ahead of next Friday’s trip to face Drogs.  

Without defeat in three heading into this one, Rovers manager John Russell kept faith with the team and shape of the side which overcame Waterford in Sligo a week previous. 

While seeking to continue their impressive early season form, Dundalk looked to continue their chase of the top two with a first win in Sligo since October 2023. Ciaran Kilduff made the one change from their win over Galway United at Oriel Park last week, replacing the absent JR Wilson with Declan McDaid whose brace swung that meeting with the Tribesmen in their favour. 

Played at a high tempo on a balmy evening under Benbulben, Rovers produced the best of the fare in the opening half, although the visitors did have chances and a share of the possession. 

Dundalk’s Harvey Warren almost turned the ball into his own goal as he attempted to clear a Fitzgerald cross three minutes in. While Kavanagh and Gareth McElroy both had chances from the resulting corner as Rovers pressed early on. 

Gbemi Arubi almost caught Sligo out moments later when Jeannot Esua’s mistake allowed the 21-year-old hit an effort from inside his own half. 

Skipper Fitzgerald has been in sparkling form for the home side this season and hit his third goal in as many games on 12 minutes. 

Dundalk keeper Enda Minogue made a mess of an attempted clearance when he collided with Kavanagh as he tried to punch clear an Esua ball into the box. The ball landed with Fitzgerald who lobbed the ball over Minogue as he scrambled back. 

Rovers’ Archie Meekison impressed throughout and went close on 23 minutes while the same player fired over a powerful volley at the end of the half as the home side relentlessly hunted a second goal. 

The loss of Esua to injury on 33 minutes seemed to affect Sligo’s focus after the half hour, but Dundalk’s push for a leveller before the interval was unsuccessful. Ronan Teahan going close from the edge of the area.

The second half was just three minutes old when Kavanagh struck for his first goal in 13 appearances. Meekison deftly tipped the ball over the top for the Dubliner who drilled the ball beyond Minogue for a richly warranted first goal of the season. 

Rovers net minder Sam Sargeant was in superb form all evening and preserved the lead on the hour when he reacted magnificently to push an Arubi blast from close range onto his own crossbar. While Eoin Kenny pulled his shot across the face of Sargeant’s goal on 70 following a speedy Lilywhites counter.

Sargeant went to his top corner to pull off another great save to deny substitute Harry Groome’s drive from 25 yards with twelve minutes to go as the First Division holders’ frustration continued. 

The Louth side threw everything at it late on but heroic defending from Rovers kept their opponents at arm’s length, including a brave block on the line from Gareth McElroy who kept out a Leonardo Gaxha shot in added time.  

Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Ollie Denham, Gareth McElroy, Sean McHale; Jeannot Esua (Sean Stewart 33), Will Fitzgerald; Carl McHugh (Jad Hakiki 69), James McManus; Daire Patton (Shane Blaney 80); Archie Meekison; Cian Kavanagh. 

Dundalk: Enda Minogue; Tyreke Wilson, Mayowa Animasahun, Harvey Warren, Bobby Burns; Ronan Tehan (Leonardo Gaxha 85), Keith Buckley (Shane Tracey 63); Daryl Horgan, Eoin Kenny, Declan McDaid (Aodh Dervin 63); Gbemi Arubi (Harry Groome 64). 

Referee: Declan Toland. 

Attendance:  2,691.

BY CONALL COLLIER

Sligo Rovers picked up a first Women’s Premier Division point on the road when they had to settle for a 1-1 draw with hosts Peamount Utd in west Dublin on Saturday evening.

Both goals arrived in the opening half with a Sydney Stephens effort cancelled by Peamount’s Eleanor Ryan-Doyle as the Bit O’Red were punished for failing to convert numerous chances before the hosts fashioned that equaliser.

Peamount went into the game on the back of two defeats and gave former Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Amy Mahon her first start of the season and the Mayo woman delivered a competent performance.

Sligo Rovers manager Gavin Hughes made two changes from last week’s defeat by DLR Waves with Alice Lillie and Kelsey McQuillan coming in at the expense of Leah Kelly and Ava Hallinan.

The Sligo Rovers players will be disappointed not to have won after they hit the front in the 18^th minute. Sydney Stephens pounced on a loose ball inside the Peamount penalty area and turned smartly before firing to the bottom corner at the near post.

The Bit O’Red dominated subsequently and should have added to the tally with chances for Cara Jordan on two occasions and Stephens that weren’t finished.

Peamount had to up the tempo just to stay in the game at that stage and both Mary Philipps and Eleanor Ryan-Doyle were pivotal in that respect.

Peamount’s Sophie Byrne was denied when Bonnie McKiernan tipped over on 33 minutes, but it was level six minutes later following a defensive lapse that was punished when Ryan-Doyle finished to the net.

That gave Peamount a major boost and they could have had a lead goal on the stroke of half-time as the ball bobbled around the Sligo Rovers penalty area, but the danger was averted.

Peamount dominated the early second-half exchanges, but were unable to beat Bonnie McKiernan although the ‘keeper was relieved late in the half when a goalbound effort was cleared off the line.

At the other end, Stephens tested Amy Mahon and Jordan shot wide before referee Sam Ralph ended the contest after five minutes of added time,

Peamount Utd – Amy Mahon; Maeve Russell, Abby Tuthill, Mary Philips, AO’Connor, Aisling Spillane, Sorcha Melia, Eleanor Ryan-Doyle, Ciara O’Neill, Antea Guvo, Sophie Byrne.

Subs – Della Doherty for Guvo half-time, Dearbhaile Beirne for O’Connor 74 mins, Kate O’Dowd for Melia 90m,

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Kelsey McQuillan, Emma Hansberry, Sabrina Hillyer, Cara Jordan, Emma Duffy, Paula McGrory, Sydney Stephens, Manu Baptista Filipe, Anna McDaniel.

Subs – Cara King for Manu and Abby Rooney for McDaniel both 62 mins, Rebecca McIntyre for McGrory 74m,Ava Hallinan for McQuillan and Alana Doherty for Hillyer both 90m.

Referee – Sam Ralph.

Assistant-referees – Robert Clarke, Aaron Pisarnik.

Fourth official – Glen Geraghty.

Sligo Rovers will look to continue our good recent run of form when Dundalk visit the Showgrounds this Saturday evening as we welcome the high-flying Lilywhites to Sligo for the first time this season, kick-off 7.45pm.

Saturday’s match sponsor is Hegarty and Armstrong Solicitors, while EngDoc are our match ball sponsors.

Following a great start to their first season back in the Premier Division, Ciaran Kilduff’s side have picked up three wins from their last five. Form which sees them in third spot after twelve games ahead of this weekend’s action. They are also the league’s top goal-scorers with 22 goals. 

Rovers find ourselves in steady shape too. The Bit O’Red are unbeaten in three and are looking for a third win on the spin after fantastic defeats of both Bohs and Waterford recently. John Russell’s men are this Saturday, on the hunt for a fourth league victory of the season and could possibly move into seventh with a win, depending on Friday night’s results. 

This will be the second meeting of Rovers and Dundalk in 2026. Sligo were narrowly beaten by the Louth outfit at Oriel Park back in March after a controversial late penalty was dispatched by Dundalk skipper and former Rovers winger Daryl Horgan. 

In team news and as of Friday morning, Rovers will again be without Ryan O’Kane, Conor Reynolds, Seb Quirk and Ciaron Harkin, each of whom are injured. Russell is hopeful that left back Sean Stewart can make the matchday squad at least having missed the last eight games with ankle trouble. 

After that really impressive performance against Waterford last week, Russell is hoping his team can keep momentum rolling against last year’s First Division winners. 

“We’re at home again and it’s a really big opportunity for us”, he tells sligorovers.com.

“I was delighted with both the team and individual performances against Waterford. We could have had four or five on the night with the amount of chances we had and that’s our second clean sheet in three games. There were a huge amount of positives to pull from it. Now we have to work hard to get even better and keep this run going. 

“Dundalk will provide us with a big challenge on Saturday. They have goals everywhere and have options from the bench. They’ve done really well to come straight back up and start so well.

“We’re hopeful we’ll have Sean (Stewart) back this weekend so it means as weeks go on, we’re getting bodies back fit. 

“As games go by and the weeks go on, we’re all getting more and more used to each other’s style and ways. It looks similar to last season, where we’re getting better as the weeks go on. Dundalk will be a really good test of where we are at the moment. This league is relentless and there’s no let up.

“We feel like we maybe owe them one after our last game”, Russell continued. 

“We dominated large parts of that game up in Dundalk, early on and particularly in the second half. We played quite well. We hit the post and the crossbar and they won the game late on which we felt reflected harshly on our performance.

“I think we can expect a similarly tight game again on Saturday.” 

David Goulden

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.