Sligo Rovers will go into this Saturday’s Women’s Premier Division (WPD) game against bottom-of-the-table Cork City aiming for a third successive victory, writes Conall Collier.

Kick-off is 5pm with tickets available at turnstiles.

Central to that level of expectation is recent form that has delivered a two-game unbeaten run following what was a nine-game sequence without a victory between the WPD and Avenir Sports Cup.

There will be huge determination amongst the Sligo Rovers players to extend that winning form this Saturday at the Showgrounds in order to boost confidence for the following weekend’s FAI Cup semi-final against Athlone Town.

Bit O’Red manager Steve Feeney has a couple of players on the doubtful list, but he is eagerly looking forward to another home game.

“We are monitoring Casey Howe and Sarah Kiernan and hopefully they will be available for selection, but we have a strong panel and everyone wants to get a run to show what they can do ahead of the FAI Cup game,” stated Steve.

“We have always tried to focus on the performance of the team in any game, we have always believed that if we get that right, then we will always have a chance in any game we play.

“We have had a tough season up until a few weeks ago so we know what it’s like for the Cork City players, they’re on a bad run, they haven’t won in the League, but they had some good results in the Avenir Sports Cup.

“They got to the semi-final after beating Treaty, DLR Waves and Crusaders in the Group and then they were edged out in the last four by Cliftonville.

“I have no doubt that Cork will take something out of the way that we have turned around our season and they will view this as an opportunity to get some points on the board. They will provide tough opposition for us.

“They didn’t have a game last weekend due to the weather, but that could work in their favour and it will leave them a bit fresher than us.

“It’s important for us to pick up another three points, we want to keep the momentum going and finish the season strong, our next test is on Saturday and that’s where our focus is at the moment,” he added.

Last week’s 4-1 victory for Sligo Rovers against Bohemian FC saw a brace of second-half goals from substitute Paula McGrory that effectively sealed the victory.

Her return along with Emma Hansberry and Lauren Boles has added some much-needed strength and stability to what is a young team.

Cork City will be looking to players of the calibre of Christina Dring, Eva Mangan and Ellie O’Brien for goals on Saturday ahead of the game at Turner’s Cross the following weekend against Treaty Utd.

Cork City manager Danny Murphy will set a target of two wins, starting on Saturday, that would move his team away from the foot of the table.

When the sides met at Turner’s Cross last May, two first half Casey Howe goals gave the Bit O’Red a 2-0 victory and a first win of the season.

Kick-off at the Showgrounds is at 5pm and the game is available to view on LOITV.