Sligo Rovers produced a battling display in Belfast to earn a 1-1 draw against Cliftonville at Solitude this evening in the final Group C game in the Avenir Sports Women’s All-Island Cup, writes Conall Collier.
“Cliftonville had a lot of possession, but the girls showed great battling qualities, as they have all season, and it was great for them to get something out of the game,” commented Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney.
“It’s also a great boost for everyone going into the mid-season break and we can be positive ahead of our return to action in the Women’s Premier Division on Saturday 19th August with a trip to tackle Athlone Town.
“There is still plenty to play for and we also have the FAI Cup game the following weekend at the Showgrounds against Bonagee Utd.
“We have been a bit unlucky in some of our games so far this season and hopefully now we can build on this result against a top team and start picking up some points in the League when the action resumes,” he added.
The Belfast women have qualified for the semi-finals after recording wins over Sion Swifts in the first round and Bohemian FC last weekend in Dublin while Sligo Rovers lost to both those teams and went into this game pointless.
However, two goals in the space of a first-half minute settled this encounter as Cliftonville took a 24th minute lead through Danielle Maxwell, but Sligo Rovers equalised inside 60 seconds when Emma Doherty finished well after Casey Howe made the opening.
Both sides created chances subsequently and there was also a Sligo Rovers debut for 15-year-old Keeva Flynn who replaced Helen Monaghan in the 77th minute.
Cliftonville – Lauren Welsh; Kelsie Burrows, Hannah Doherty, Toni-Leigh Finnegan, Orleigha McGuinness, Abbie Magee, Vicky Carleton, Louise McDaniel, Danielle Maxwell, Caitlin McGuinness, Claire Shaw. Subs – Tara Reilly for Magee, Chelsea Irvine for C McGuinness, Bernadette Ferreira for McDaniel.
Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan; Leah Kelly, Sarah Kiernan, Helen Monaghan, Amy Roddy, Lauren Boles, Katie Melly, Keri Loughrey, Ciara Henry, Casey Howe, Emma Doherty. Subs – Jodie Loughrey for Henry 14 mins, Keeva Flynn for Monaghan 77m.