Hosts Bohemian FC fielded an unchanged side from the previous week’s victory in Cork while the Bit O’Red made a number of changes with Leah Kelly, Fiona Doherty and Kate Nugent all missing out.

Into the starting 11 came Alice Lillie, Sarah Kiernan and Keri Loughrey as Sligo Rovers went in search of a first point of the season.

The first-half was played at a hectic pace with the hosts on the front foot.

Sligo Rovers goalkeeper Bonnie McKiernan produced a brave save in the third minute at the feet of Kira Bates-Crosbie and soon after the hosts had a good effort over the bar from Rachel Doyle.

McKiernan was in action again in the 22nd minute when she saved smartly to deny Erika Burke after possession was lost as the Bit O’Red tried to play out from the back.

Two minutes later Sligo Rovers conceded a corner and when the ball was sent in by Rachel Doyle, the end product was a powerful header to the net for the lead goal from Lisa Murphy.

Sligo Rovers upped the tempo and exerted a lot of pressure in the run up to the interval with Jodie and Keri Loughrey and Casey Howe all pushing forward without any return on the scoreboard as the hosts held on to lead at the interval.

Both sides had chances in an evenly-contested second-half with McKiernan saving well on the hour for Sligo Rovers while at the other end Emma Doherty had a couple of half chances.

However, the Bohemian FC defence held out and took another three points.

Bohemian FC – Rachael Kelly; Lynn Craven, Katie Burdie, Lisa Murphy, Ciara Maher, Fiona Donnelly, Kira Bates-Crosbie, Rachel Doyle, Erica Burke, Mia Dodd, Sarah Rowe.

Subs – Katie Lovely for Burdis 25 mins, Niamh Prior for Doyle 65m, Aoife Robinson for Rowe 89m.

Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Lillie, Sarah Kiernan, Amy Roddy, Keela Scanlon, Lauren Boles, Emma Hansberry, Casey Howe, Keri Loughrey, Emma Doherty, Jodie Loughrey.
Subs – Leah Kelly for J Loughrey 64 mins, Kate Nugent for Roddy 65m, Ciara Henry for K Loughrey 79m.

Referee – David Dunn.