Galway Utd took the Women’s Premier Division points this afternoon at Eamonn Deacy Park with a 2-1 win against a Sligo Rovers side that is still looking for a first win of 2023.
However, on this occasion there was some extra bite from the Bit O’Red players despite the concession of two early goals that ultimately decided the outcome.
Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney made a number of changes from the team that played the previous week against DLR Waves.
There was a first start between the posts for Bonnie McKiernan while Helen Monaghan and Amy Roddy also came into the starting 11.
Galway Utd manager Phil Trill made two changes from the team that earned a 1-1 home draw with Shamrock Rovers last week.
Abbiegayle Ronayne replaced Jessica Berlin between the posts while Kate Thompson came in for Rola Olusola.
Hosts Galway had two goals on the scoreboard inside the opening six minutes as Kate Thompson and Jenna Slattery both found the net to give Trill’s side the initiative.
However, the hosts failed to capitalise on a number of good chances for the remainder of the half and it was 2-0 at the interval.
Steve Feeney made a couple of changes at the break and the Bit O’Red got back into contention in the 57th minute when Emma Doherty headed to the net with a good finish.
Substitute Fiona Doherty went close to an equaliser soon after, but was denied by Abbiegayle Ronayne who made a brilliant finger-tip save.
Bit O’Red ‘keeper Bonnie McKiernan made a good save with 15 minutes remaining to deny Aoife Thompson as the hosts pushed for a third goal against an improved Sligo Rovers second-half performance.
Galway Utd – Abbiegayle Ronayne; Aoibheann Costello, Isabella Beletic, Jamie Erickson, Jenna Slattery, Kate Thompson, Lynsey McKey, Gemma McGuinness, Therese Kinnevey, Amy Madden, Abbie Callanan. Subs – Aoife Thompson for Callanan 68 mins, Nicole McNamara for McKey 86m
Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Helen Monaghan, Katie Nugent, Keela Scanlon, Sarah Kiernan, Amy Roddy, Leah Kelly, Emma Hansberry, Lauren Boles, Casey Howe, Emma Doherty. Subs – Fiona Doherty for Monaghan and Jodie Loughrey for Kiernan both half-time, Keri Loughrey for Nugent 71 mins, Katie Melly for Boles and Aoife Brennan for Howe both 84m.