By Conall Collier

Sligo Rovers and Bohemians played out a well-contested Women’s Premier Division scoreless draw at the Showgrounds on Saturday evening.

Sligo Rovers started on the front foot and brought a fine save out of Bohs netminder Rachael Kelly in the seventh minute at the expense of a corner.

Muireann Devaney crested the opening with an excellent pass and Rachel McGoldrick unleashed a fine shot, but Kelly got a touch.

Both teams had chances subsequently, mainly from corners, with defences coping well.

The back four for the Bit O’Red stood strong with Keeva Flynn dominant while Devaney, Eimear Lafferty and Emma Hansberry shaded the midfield exchanges.

Bohemians missed a gilt-edged chance for an interval advantage when Orlagh Fitzpatrick directed her effort from the edge of the six-yard box wide of the post in the 44th minute as the teams went in level at the interval.

Katie McCann went close for Bohs soon after the resumption and the Dublin women continued to pile on the pressure against a hard-working Sligo Rovers side.

Bonnie McKiernan handled confidently as the Dublin women continued to press forward and posed some serious questions.

Mairead McIntyre was a constant threat for Sligo Rovers and made it difficult for the central defenders of Bohemians as the hosts enjoyed a brief period of dominance.

Muireann Devaney had a good effort that went over the bar with five minutes remaining as Kya McKenna replaced McIntyre.

Bonnie McKiernan saved well from Alannah McEvoy in added time, but it ended with honours even on the opening day of the season.

THE TEAMS
Sligo Rovers – Bonnie McKiernan;  Cara King, Kate Nugent, Keeva Flynn, Alana Doherty, Katie Melly, Muireann Devaney, Emma Hansberry, Eimear Lafferty, Rachel McGoldrick, Mairead McIntyre.

Subs – Anna McDaniel for McGoldrick 61 mins, Kya McKenna for McIntyre 84m, Alice Lillie for Melly 93m.

Bohemian FC – Rachael Kelly; Lisa Murphy, Roisin McGovern, Aoibhe Brennan, Hannah Healy, Katherine Malone, Abbie O’Hara, Orlagh Fitzpatrick, Shauna Carroll, Katie McCann, Mia Dodd.

Subs – Sarah Power for O’Hara half-time, Alannah McEvoy for Fitzpatrick 57 mins, Savanah Kane for McCann, Fiona Donnelly for Dodd both 71m, Hannah O’Brien for Carroll 90m.

Referee – Paudie Hayes.
Assistant-referees – Richard Storey, Conor Harkin.
Fourth official – Michael Connelly.