By Conall Collier

Defending Women’s Premier Division champions Peamount Utd will arrive at the Showgrounds on Saturday in search of three points against Sligo Rovers as they bid to move into the top four before they forfeit the title.

Again, this will be an opportunity for Sligo Rovers to get that elusive first victory of the season and the Bit O’Red will have plenty of reasons for optimism that the goal can be achieved.

Consistency has been a challenge until recent weeks and following a 1-1 draw at Tallaght Stadium a fortnight ago and a own-goal-defeat last Sunday in the Women’s FAI Cup semi-final against champions elect Athlone Town, it appears that particular problem has been addressed.

The continued absence of Jodie Loughrey through injury along with Amber Hardy who will also miss out this weekend and with Keeva Flynn on the doubtful list, Bit O’Red boss Tommy Hewitt will once more have to make some changes to the starting line up.

The manager was disappointed after last Sunday’s reversal against Athlone Town, disappointed with the result, but immensely proud of the players and the performance.

“I don’t think Athlone were better than us in the second-half, but we just lacked that cutting edge in the final third,” he commented.

“We still have three games lefrt in the League and I’ve asked the girls to stay together and get that first win of the season.

“If we can bring that performance (against Athlone) into the game against Peamount we are well capable of doing that.

“Emma (Hansberry) back in the team gives us a liitle bit more and it also allows Muireann (Devaney) to get up the pitch a bit more.

“We still have a lot to play for, maybe the supporters who were at the game on Sunday might decide to come back again this weekend because they were encouraged by what they saw,” he concluded.

Sligo Rovers v Peamount Utd is live on LOITV, kick-off at 2pm.