Sligo Rovers make the journey to Wexford this weekend for a joust with hosts Wexford Youths Women in the second round of the Women’s Premier Division.
The Bit O’Red made an encouraging start to the new season despite a narrow defeat by a highly-regarded Shamrock Rovers side at The Showgrounds in a game that attracted the largest crowd of the opening round of action with 753 spectators enjoying the action.
A draw looked the most likely result until Republic of Ireland international Aine O’Gorman headed a 92nd minute winner to claim a 2-1 victory for the Dublin side after Shauna Fox (Shamrock Rovers) and Emma Hansberry traded goals early in each half.
Wexford made the trip to Galway for round one and claimed a 1-0 victory with Ciara Rossiter finishing to the net in the 80th minute in a tight encounter.
Wexford manager Stephen Quinn added some quality to his panel for 2023 with Emily Corbet joining from Athlone Town and Abbie Brophy recruited from Bohemian FC along with Republic of Ireland international Rianna Jarrett who her first appearance for the club since 2019 after joining from London City Lionesses.
Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney will be looking forward to the challenge of tackling a Wexford side that the Bit O’Red defeated at the Showgrounds last season and although disappointed with the first-round defeat, he will be able to take plenty of positives for the challenge that his players will face at Ferrycarrig Park.
TEAMS LAST WEEKEND
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
Manager – Steve Feeney.
Wexford – Maeve Williams; Orlaith Conlon, Meabh Russell, Nicola Sinnott; Abbie Brophy, Aoibheann Clancy, Michaela Lawrence, Kylie Murphy, Ciara Rossiter, Emily Corbet, Rianna Jarrett.
Subs – Freya DeMange for Lawrence 70 mins, Orlaith Deasy for Corbet 85m, Ceola Bergin for Rossiter 90m.
Manager – Stephen Quinn.
Kick-off is at 6pm and the game is available on LOITV