Treat for Steve at The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney was understandably delighted with the performance of his team in Saturday’s Women’s National League game against Treaty United at The Showgrounds.

The home supporters were treated to two superb goals from Aoife Brennan as the hosts recorded a first home win in their debut season, an achievement that the manager felt was important.

“It was great to get that first home win, we played well and we played some nice football, at times,” commented Feeney.

“I thought the Treaty Utd goal was against the run of play, but we had to respond to it and we did.

“It was a game I thought we could win, but when we conceded that own goal after about 10 minutes we had to work hard to get back into the game.

“Overall, the first-half, I felt we deserved to be ahead at half-time, we got the goals and that was important.

“Two brilliant frees by Aoife (Brennan) and a great effort from Emma (Doherty) gave us that 3-1 half-time advantage.

“We knew, after the break, that it would be difficult against the wind, a lot of long balls from Treaty.

“Our back four, and particularly Amy Mahon making her first start bewteen the posts, they were all excellent

“The overall workrate of the team was superb, we played football in the first-half, but it was the commitment and desire that got us through the second-half.

“We were missing Emma Handberry today, she scored that great goal from a free a few weeks ago here against Bohemians, but today Aoife took the responsibility.

“We also have Sarah Kiernan and Emma Doherty who can also take the frees, but they decide amongst themselves.

“It was also a first start for Amy (Mahon), she only turned 18 a few weeks ago and she came in there today for her first senior game.

“She’s new to the squad, one of the last players we signed, she was superb today, that’s the best way I can describe her performance,” he added.

Looking ahead to the next outing, Sligo Rovers will travel to play a Wexford side that beat Cork City 5-1 on Saturday.

That will present another big challenge for this improving Sligo Rovers team that pushed champions Shelbourne all the way to added time at Tolka Park a fortnight ago.

“We have Wexford next Saturday and that will be a tough game for us,” admitted Feeney.

“We will prepare as best we can and see if we can get something from the game.

Now, after six games, I think we actually have a stronger squad that I realised at the start.

“The togetherness in the team, it’s a great boost and it was evident against Treaty from the players who came in.

“There is great determination amongst the players and there is also lots of ability and that’s starting to come though now,” he added.

PHOTO: SLIGO ROVERS MANAGER STEVE FEENEY AFTER THE WIN AGAINST TREATY UTD. PHOTO: MICHAEL MELLY / BIT O’RED PHOTOGRAPHY