Three games to go for Sligo Rovers until the mid-point of the Women’s Premier Division is reached and the quest for a first win of the season continues, writes Conall Collier.
A trip to Dalymount Park on Saturday for a showdown with mid-table Bohemian FC will produce another challenge for the Bit O’Red.
In four outings last season against the Dublin women, Sligo Rovers didn’t manage a victory against the Dublin side – three times in the WNL as it was then, and also in the FAI Cup.
However, last weekend there was another encouraging display from the Bit O’Red as they hosted Athlone Town, but there was no reward in terms of points.
Bohemian FC made the trip to tackle second from bottom Cork City and got back on the winning track with a 3-1 victory. After a heavy defeat the previous week.
On the plus side for Sligo Rovers, the players can approach Saturday’s assignment without any fear as they will be well aware that the performances on the pitch merit more of a return than what’s reflected in the League table.
The pressure will be on the hosts who will be expecting to pick up another three points without too much difficulty and they will be looking to the likes of Mia Dodd, Lisa Murphy and Erica Burke for the goals.
That trio found the net against Cork City last weekend for a victory that made amends for that heavy defeat by Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium in the previous outing.
For Sligo Rovers last weekend, Casey Howe hit a wonder goal against Athlone and Emma Doherty had a couple of half chances.
Keela Scanlon continues to impress for Steve Feeney’s side and will be buoyed by her selection during the week as ATU Sligo Women’s player-of-the-year accolade.
On the doubtful list for Sligo Rovers are the quartet of Katie Melly, Aoife Brennan, Fiona Doherty and Kate Nugent.
Kick-off at Dalymount Park is at 3pm and there will be another long journey the following weekend with a trip to Turner’s Cross to play Cork City.