After travelling to Cork last weekend, Sligo Rovers hit the road again this Saturday as they travel to Westmeath to tackle Athlone Town for a 7pm kick-off in the Women’s National League.

Edged out by Cork City in a thriller last weekend by the odd goal in five, the Sligo Rovers players will be determined to take something home from this encounter against Athlone.

Paula McGrory scored two great goals against Cork and was denied her hat-trick by the woodwork as the Bit O’ Red produced another encouraging display.

Last Saturday the TG4 cameras were in Athlone for the visit of Peamount and the Dublin side took an important three points with a goal in each half for a 2-0 victory.

Athlone had chances in that game with Erin McLaughlin’s effort headed off the Peamount line and Maddie Gibson clattered a shot off the post.

Last July at the Showgrounds, Athlone Town had to work hard for a 2-1 victory with Gillian Keenan hitting the winner in the 86th minute.

Sligo Rovers hit the front in that game with an eighth minute Gemma McGuinness goal, but Athlone levelled through Madison Gibson midway through the opening half and then hit that later winner.

With seven games remaining in a debut season, Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney and the players will realise at this stage that they can compete with the teams pushing for top four places with wins against Shelbourne and Wexford already achieved.

Athlone currently sit in third place and will be targeting this game as a must-win encounter if they hope to close the gap on the top two, but they won’t find it easy against the Bit O’Red.

LAST TIME

Sligo Rovers 1, Athlone Town 2