Details

Date Time League Season
23 July 2022 6:00 pm LOI Women's Premier Division 2022

Match Report

WNL Preview: Galway WFC v Sligo Rovers Women

Sligo Rovers make the trip to Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday for a Women's National League (WNL) game against a Galway side that is five points adrift of second-placed Athlone Town.

That is a position the Galway players will be aiming to improve on that when they welcome their Connacht neighbours for the first time in the WNL game.

However, Galway will adopt a cautious approach as they had to work hard for a 2-1 victory at the Showgrounds at the beginning of May, despite enjoying periods of dominance.

Galway trailed to an early Emma Doherty strike and only got back on level terms in first-half added time when Becky Walsh found the net.

Galway added a second after the resumption when Shauna Brennan hit the target and that ultimately proved to be the winning goal.

In her efforts to save that effort, Bit O'Red 'keeper Kristen Sample sustained a broken arm that has kept her on the sidelines since then.

Mayo teenager Amy Mahon deputised on that occasion, but she was absent last weekend for the Bit O'Red and that gave another talented shot-stopper, Farah McDonagh, an opportunity between the posts against the formidable force that is Athlone Town.

Sligo Rovers also hit the front in that game when Gemma McGuinness finished after Emma Doherty made the opening and Galway will have to be vigilant against the threat that the Bit O'Red duo will pose.

Athlone got back on level terms in the first-half, but had to wait until the 86th minute for a winner.

Sligo Rovers manager Steve Feeney was disappointed by the concession of that late goal, but was also full of praise

for the performance of his team.

"You have to remember that we are in our first season in the WNL and it's a huge learning curve for everyone," he commented.

"Experience is hugely important and we are getting that every week, I have no doubt that the players will continue to improve.

"We have to keep working on all aspects of our game, get fitter, get stronger, we can do that, but it just takes time.

"The supporters can see the determination of the players and it won't take too much longer before we are in a position to start turning narrow defeats into narrow victories.

"We have Galway next and that will be another big test, they were very good against us in the second-half here, but this is another opportunity for the players to show what they can do and we are all looking forward to the game," he added.

For Galway manager, Alan Murphy, this is another must-win game to stay in touch with the top four.

Dumped out of the FAI Cup a fortnight ago at Dalymount Park, Galway bounced back to winning form with a comprehensive 5-1 victory against Cork City last weekend.

 An own goal by City defender Ciara McNamara after only 60 seconds had Galway on the front foot and two more followed in a rewarding eight-minute spell for a 3-0 advantage. Bryce Reynolds and Jamie Erickson were the scorers.

Laura Shine pulled one back for Cork six minutes into the second-half, but Galway reacted positively and Lynsey McKey claimed a brace to round off a 5-1 victory.

Central to Galway's dominance was the performance of Julie-Ann Russell, sister of John Russell, the manager of the Sligo Rovers men's team. 

Russell was also a key performer for Galway in the first-round encounter at the Showgrounds and her performance could be crucial to the outcome of this encounter.

Galway WFC

20Abbiegayle Ronayne Goalkeeper
2Becky Walsh Defender 81'
3Lucia Lobato Defender
4Nicole McNamara Defender
6Shauna Brennan Defender 51'
8Julie-Ann Russell 15 Midfielder
9Jenna Slattery Midfielder
10Lynsey McKey 19 Forward
12Elle Rose O’Flaherty 16 Forward 38'
18Jamie Erickson 22 Defender 67'
23Bryce Reynolds Defender 8'
15Abbie Callanan 8 Forward
16Rola Olusola 12 Forward
19Saoirse Healey 10 Forward
22Eve Dossen 18 Defender
25Peggy Forde Goalkeeper

Sligo Rovers

16Amy Mahon Goalkeeper
2Leah Kelly Defender
3Ruth Monaghan 23 Defender
5Orna O’Dowd Defender
7Gemma McGuinness Forward 4'
8Lauren Boles Midfielder
9Emma Doherty Forward 33'
10Alana Doherty Midfielder
14Kerri O’Hara Defender
18Paula McGrory 11 Forward
22Helen Monaghan Defender
13Katie Melly Midfielder
17Lauren McLellan Forward
23Ciara Henry 3 Midfielder
38Farrah McDonagh Goalkeeper
11Aoife Brennan 18 Forward
  • full time here in Eamonn Deacy Park good second half from Galway deserved win 5-2

  • 81'

    Becky Walsh Galway 5-2

  • 67'

    Jamie Erickson Galway 4-2

  • 51'

    Shauna Brennan Galway 3-2

  • 50'

    Good move by Sligo Lauren Boles hits over

  • SECOND HALF UNDERWAY

  • ht 2-2

  • one minute added

  • 42'

    Amy Mahon super save from Lynsey McKee

  • 38'

    Galway Ellie O'Flaherty 2-2

  • 33'

    Sligo Emma Doherty header

  • 22'

    Lots of Galway pressure but no real chances

  • 17'

    Gemma McGuinness a good chance for Sligo Rovers but couldn't finish

  • Hectic start here Sligo lead from Gemma McGuinness finished from edge of area Bryce Reynolds equalises finish with a good ball in from a corner

  • 8'

    Bryce Reynolds Galway

  • Amy Mahon saves

  • free Galway edge of area

  • 4'

    Sligo Gemma McGuinness

  • game on here at Eamonn Deacy Park

  • Conall Collier at Eamonn Deacy Park for Galway v Sligo Rovers - kick-off at 2pm - the rain has stopped and pitch should be lively - only a handful of supporters here at the moment

Past Meetings

(Round 9)
1 - 2
LOI Women's Premier Division
The Showgrounds

Sligo Rovers v Galway WFC

Ground

Eamonn Deacy Park
Eamonn Deacy Park, Dyke Road, Terryland, Menlough, Galway City, County Galway, Connacht, H91 ET6N, Ireland