Sligo Rovers hosted Shamrock Rovers in the opening game of the Women’s Premier Division at The Showgrounds this evening where Republic of Ireland international Aine O’Gorman headed a 92nd minute winner to claim a 2-1 victory for the Dublin side, writes Conall Collier.
Shamrock Rovers bossed the opening half after they hit the front in the fourth minute with an opportunist goal.
Shauna Fox punished some hesitant defending from the hosts and finished to the net following a bout of pin-ball in the Sligo Rovers penalty area.
The Dublin side continued to dictate and created numeous chances with Fox and Aoife Kelly going close while Stephanie Roche was off target on a couple of occasions.
Hosts Sligo Rovers threatened on the break and created a chances with the best going to Emma Doherty who chased a back pass that put a bit of pressure on the Hoops rearguard.
Both sides had chances in the opening minute of the second-half with Katie Melly surging into the opposition penalty area insdie 10 seconds, but the danger was averted and in a quick counter attack the Dublin side went close through Alannah McEvoy.
The home supporters had something to cheer about soon after when Emma Hansberry rifled to the net from a 25-yard free with the help of a deflection that left goalkeeper Amanda Budden flat-footed.
The pace picked up subsequently and Amy Mahon saved bravely at the feet of Abbie Larkin while at the other end Emma Doherty had a chance following a good pass from Jodie Loughrey.
The game look destined for a draw until Aine O’Gorman headed the Dublin side into that 2-1 lead from close range in the 92nd minute to seal a hard-earned victory following an absorbing encounter in front of 753 supporters who were well entertained.
Sligo Rovers – Amy Mahon; Alice Lillie, Amy Roddy, Keela Scanlon, Sarah Kiernan, Leah Kelly, Emma Hansberry, Lauren Boles, Katie Melly, Emma Doherty, Casey Howe. Subs – Jodie Loughrey for Melly 65 mins, Keri Loughrey for Kelly 70m, Helen Monaghan for Howe 86m
Shamrock Rovers – Amanda Budden; Shauna Fox, Jessica Hennessy, Abbie Larkin, Alannah
McEvoy, Stephanie Roche, Lia O’Leary, Aine O’Gorman, Orlaith O’Mahony, Melissa Kane. Subs – Jamie Thompson for Roche 63 mins, Jessica Gargan for O’Kane 77m.
Referee – Alan Carey.