By Conall Collier

First goals of the season from Emma Hansberry and Alana Doherty gave Sligo Rovers a first Women’s Premier Division (WPD) away win of the season against Waterford on a first visit to the RSC.

There was also another first in the closing stages when ‘keeper Bonnie McKiernan was penalised by referee David Dunne, who awarded Waterford a corner as he deemed the Bit O’Red netminder didn’t release the ball within the eight seconds time allocated. It seemed like a harsh decision, as a Waterford player was blocking. McKiernan was at the edge of the penalty area and raised her foot as the keeper attempted to kick the ball.

That incident aside, this was a solid performance from Steve Feeney’s side as Rachel McGoldrick returned to the starting 11 for the first time since she sustained an injury against Bohemian FC in the All-Island Cup at the end of April. Leah Kelly also made the starting lineup after missing the last two outings due to an injury she sustained in the WFAI Cup against DLR Waves.

The opening exchanges were tight, with the Sligo Rovers defence curtailing Fiana Bradley on her first home start for the hosts, and Waterford went close through Jessica Lawler midway through the opening half. However, it got tougher for the Munster women as they were reduced to 10 players in the 29th minute when the referee issued a red card to Stephenie Dumevi after she impeded Muireann Devaney, who was through on goal.

That forced Waterford boss Gary Hunt into a change and Danielle Griffin replaced Olivia Shannon, but soon after, the Bit O’Red capitalised and hit the front when Emma Hansberry fired her side into the lead with a good finish.

Waterford still threatened on the counter and had a couple of opportunities before the interval, and Bonnie McKiernan produced a smart save on the stroke of halftime when she fingertipped a well-struck Bradley effort to safety at the expense of a corner.

Sligo Rovers were reasonably comfortable in the second half with substitutes Paula McGrory and Bernie Ferreira making a solid contribution, and Alana Doherty adding a crucial second goal in the 64th minute. Emma Hansberry’s free wasn’t dealt with by the Waterford defence, and Doherty applied the finishing touch to ease the Bit O’Red into the comfort zone.

Waterford kept pushing forward, but Sligo Rovers could have had a third goal two minutes from time when substitute Kya McKenna raced clear, but Waterford’s Maeve Williams was equal to the task and averted the danger.

Waterford – Maeve Williams, Jessica Lawler, Lauren Walsh, Danielle Burke, Chloe Atkinson, Fiana Bradley, Sophie Slattery, Olivia Shannon, Erin O’Brien, Stephanie Dumevi, I. Walsh.
Subs – Danielle Griffin for Shannon (29 mins), Orla Hickey for O’Brien (halftime), C. Kearney for Atkinson (85 mins).

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan, Alice Lillie, Leah Kelly, Annie McKinley, Alana Doherty, Katie Melly, Emma Hansberry, Muireann Devaney, Rachel McGoldrick, Mairead McIntyre, Anna McDaniel.
Subs – Paula McGrory for McGoldrick and Bernie Ferreira for McIntyre (58 mins), Kya McKenna for McDaniel and Cara King for Lillie (76 mins), Lauren Devaney for McKinley (80 mins).

Referee – David Dunne
Assistant referees – Chris Campbell, David Connolly
Fourth official – Kevin O’Sullivan