Bohemian FC took the laurels in the opening Group C game of the Avenir Sports Women’s All-Island Cup at a weather-battered Showgrounds against Sligo Rovers this evening, writes Conall Collier.

However, this was a bizarre type of contest with a brace of first-half own goals and a penalty claim in each half waved away, but a 92nd minute spot-kick awarded as the Bit O’ Red continued the quest for a first home win of the season.

Bohemian FC took a 2-0 interval lead to the dressing room in unusual circumstances.

An own goal in the 22nd minute and another own goal close to the interval gave the Dublin women the initiative.

Contrast that to the fate of a hard-working Sligo Rovers team that had what looked like a legitimate penalty claim waved away in the 29th minute and also saw efforts from Keela Scanlon and Lauren Boles saved by Rachael Kelly.

Sligo Rovers had a strong position in the game until the concession of that first goal in the 22nd minute. A fine shot for the visitors from Aoife Robinson hit the post, the rebound deflected off Bonnie McKiernan and trickled across the line despite valiant efforts to clear by the home defence.

While Bohemian FC contributed significantly to the opening goal, they didn’t do anything for the second score as Keela Scanlon’s backpass totally flat-footed McKiernan and, once more, the ball rolled into the net.

The Dublin side also had a good early chance, but McKiernan tipped over a speculative Rachel Doyle effort.

Sligo Rovers resumed the second-half smartly without making an impact on the scoreboard and the hill got steeper in the 58th minute when Niamh Prior found space in the penalty area and finished to the net.

Lacking nothing in terms of effort and determination, the hosts kept surging forward in an effort to get back into the game.

Lauren Boles and Casey Howe kept Bohemian FC netminder Rachael Kelly on her toes as the thunder and lightning were followed by torrential rain for the last 20 minutes.

Kira Bates-Crosbie squandered a fine chance to extend the Bohemian FC lead in the 75th minute.

At the other end Emma Doherty could have had a penalty, but had to settle for a free on the 18-yard line.

Then, in the 92nd minute, referee Michael Connolly pointed to the spot after a Bohemian FC defender was deemed to have impeded a home player.

Casey Howe stepped up and rifled to the net, it was academic in terms of the outcome, but was certainly a well-deserved score for the home side.

Sligo Rovers Bonnie McKiernan; Leah Kelly, Alice Lillie, Keela Scanlon, Kate Nugent, Emma Hansberry, Lauren Boles, Jodi Loughrey, Casey Howe, Emma Doherty, Ciara Henry.

Subs – Sarah Kiernan for Scanlon half-time, Keri Loughrey for Henry and Aoife Brennan for J Loughrey both 66 mins, Seren Ward for Kelly 76m, Katie Melly for Hansberry 83m

Bohemian FC – Rachael Kelly; Lynn Craven, Lisa Murphy, Kira Bates-Crosbie,  Ciara Maher, Rachael Doyle, Mia Dodd, Niamh Prior, Aoife Robinson, Abbie O’Hara, Katie Lovely.

Subs – Lara Phipps for Robinson 56 mins, Amy Ellis for O’Hara 76m, Isabella Chambers for Prior 83m. 

Referee – Michael Connolly.