Showgrounds, 14 March 2026
Sligo Rovers began their 2026 Women’s Premier Division campaign with a draw against reigning champions Athlone Town at the Showgrounds, in a game where the hosts were unlucky not to come away with all three points. After falling behind in the second half, Rovers responded well and were rewarded when captain Emma Hansberry’s free kick found its way through to the net to bring the sides level.
Line-ups
Sligo Rovers:
Bonnie McKiernan, Leah Kelly, Ava Hallinan, Emma Hansberry (C) (Manu Baptista Filipe 78), Cara Jordan, Paula McGrory (Rachel McGoldrick 90), Ella Karolak, Sabrina Hillyer (Abby Rooney 90), Kelsey McQuillan (Mairead McIntyre 73), Alice Lillie, Sydney Stephens
Substitutes: Ivana McMahon, Alana Doherty, Emma Duffy, Abby Rooney, Katie Melly, Manu Baptista Filipe, Natalie Yoo, Rachel McGoldrick, Mairead McIntyre
Athlone Town:
Maria Matthaiou, Kellie Brennan, Kayleigh Shine, Shauna Brennan, Natalie McNally, Hannah Waesch (C), Dana Scheriff, Roisin Molloy, Isabel Ryan (Alexis Strickland 65), Emma Mooney, Melissa O’Kane (Hazel Donegan 65)
Substitutes: Courtney Maguire, Chloe Singleton, Kerryanne Brown, Alexis Strickland, Niamh Dundon, Hazel Donegan, Danielle O’Neill, Muireann Daly, Michaela Hand
Referee: Arnold Hunter
Rovers started brightly and forced two early corners as they looked to take the initiative. In the 17th minute, Cara Jordan came close to opening the scoring when she struck a powerful effort that forced Maria Matthaiou to palm the ball away for a corner. Two minutes later, Ella Karolak had a chance from a well-delivered free kick as Rovers created the better of the early opportunities.
Jordan continued to cause problems down the wing and was one of the standout performers in the early stages as the home side searched for the opening goal.
Athlone eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute. Melissa O’Kane combined with Isabel Ryan before the ball found Dana Scheriff, who finished past Bonnie McKiernan, despite the Rovers goalkeeper having performed strongly throughout the game.
The goal briefly shifted momentum in Athlone’s favour as the visitors enjoyed a short spell of possession following the opener.
Rovers responded positively and pushed forward, with Cara Jordan’s persistence down the flank forcing Kayleigh Shine into a yellow card as she drove towards goal.
The equaliser arrived in the 69th minute when captain Emma Hansberry stepped up to take a free kick from distance. Her effort travelled through the players and beyond the goalkeeper to bring Rovers level.
Both sides made changes as the game entered its final stages. Mairead McIntyre replaced Kelsey McQuillan in the 73rd minute, while Manu Baptista Filipe came on to make her debut for Rovers shortly after, replacing Hansberry after the captain suffered an injury following a challenge from Athlone captain Hannah Waesch.
Rovers nearly found a late winner in the 86th minute when Cara Jordan delivered an excellent cross that was met by Paula McGrory, but the Athlone goalkeeper produced a fine save to keep the scores level.
Further late substitutions saw Rachel McGoldrick replace McGrory and Abby Rooney come on for Sabrina Hillyer in the closing moments as Rovers pushed for a winner.
Despite late pressure, the sides could not be separated and both teams settled for a point to begin the new campaign.
Sligo Rovers travel to Eamonn Deacy Park next Saturday, 21 March, where they will face Galway United.
Jack Dempsey