By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers will seek a place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s FAI Cup this Saturday as they host Dublin’s Terenure Rangers at the Showgrounds, with kick-off at 3pm.

Terenure Rangers arrive with strong confidence following their 2-1 victory in the Women’s FAI Amateur Cup final last Sunday, where they defeated Whitehall Rangers at the Belfield Bowl. This win secured back-to-back cup triumphs for Terenure, making them the first team to retain the trophy.

Sligo Rovers made a solid start at this stage of the competition last season with a comfortable win over Donegal’s Bonagee Utd at the Showgrounds. Conversely, Terenure’s 5-0 defeat to Cork City in the same round last year at Richmond Park was somewhat misleading, as Cork City scored the final three goals late in the game.

Terenure enters this match in excellent form, having secured victories over Home Farm (4-0), Marks Celtic (11-1), Killester/Donnycarney (4-2), and Douglas Hall (6-2) leading up to their recent cup win.

Terenure manager Caroline Kelly and her team—Paula Hamilton, Robert Fitzgerald, Alan Moore, and Ciara Smith—have carefully reviewed Sligo Rovers’ recent performances against Peamount Utd and Bohemian FC. Despite making five enforced changes in their last match, Sligo Rovers will benefit from the return of key players like Yvonne Hedigan and Keeva Flynn, which could strengthen their defence.

Although Sligo Rovers have struggled with scoring this season, they have consistently created chances. Facing a team from outside the Women’s Premier Division might be the catalyst they need for their first win of the season.

With Terenure Rangers in impressive form and aiming for victory, an exciting and closely contested 90 minutes is expected at the Showgrounds.