Hard-working Bohemian FC, with an outstanding display from Lisa Murphy, edged out Sligo Rovers at Dalymount Park on Saturday evening in the first game after the mid-season break, writes Conall Collier

Both teams failed to score last time out, but the Dublin side took a point at the Belfield Bowl while Sligo Rovers conceded five against Peamount.

The opening exchanges were fairly tentative and both teams looked a little rusty, but the sharpness soon returned.

The Bit O’Red had to rely on a smart Amy Mahon save in the 21st minute as she turned a well-struck Abbie Brophy effort around the post.

From the resultant corner, there was a bit of pinball in the Sligo penalty area before the ball was blazed over the bar.

Brophy continued to cause problems for the visitors, but the hosts were kept at bay until the 43rd minute when hesitation at the back gave Erica Burke an opening and she finished smartly to give Bohemian FC a 1-0 interval lead.

Sligo Rovers created a 55th minute opening when Emma Hansberry had a great chance, but her effort was blocked by Rachael Kelly, the ball broke to Paula McCrory, but she hit over.

Gemma McGuinness had Sligo on terms in the 70th minute when she finished well after breaking through, but Bohemian FC reacted positively and substitute Aoife Robinson restored the lead three minutes later.

That was sufficient to give the Dublin side the points as they moved up to seventh.

Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney was disappointed not to get something from the game and will now turn his attention to preparations for next weekend’s FAI Cup tie against Douglas Hall.

“We conceded goals that were of the soft variety, but we also needed the game after the break,” stated Feeney.

“I thought we were the best team for about half-an-hour in the second-half and we have definitely improved from our performance the first day against Bohs,” he added.


Bohemian FC – Rachael Kelly; Abbie O’Hara, Ann Marie Byrne, Lisa Murphy, Isobel Finnegan, Katie LOvely, Kira Crosbie Bates, Chloe Darby, Abbie Brophy, Bronagh Kane, Erica Burke. Subs – Aoife Robinson for Darby 68 mins,Lara Phipps for Kane 77m,Leah HUghes for Murphy 89m.
 

Sligo Rovers – Amy Mahon; Leah Kelly, Emma Hansberry, Orna O’Dowd, Amy Hyndman, Gemma McGuinness, Lauren Boles, Erin Coyle, Amy Roddy, Paula McCrory, Jessica Casey. Subs – Kerri O’Hara for Hansberry 61 mins, Katie Melly for Hyndman and Fiona Doherty for Casey both 81m, Lauren McClellan for McGrory 87m.

Referee -Sarah Dyas.