Peamount Utd recorded a thoroughly deserved 2-0 Women's National League victory against Sligo Rovers at PRL Park this evening and secured three crucial points in the race for the title.

The hosts had to work extremely hard for a 1-0 interval advantage and it took all of 42 minutes for the vital opener from a well-struck Aine O'Gorman shot at the edge of the penalty area.

Up to that stage the Sligo women had defended strongly and threatened on the break as goalkeeper Amy Mahon produced a number of good saves starting as early as the second minute when she tipped over an Erin McLoughlin effort.

Sadhbh Doyle also went close for Peamount on two occasions midway through the opening half and just when it looked like the Bit O'red would get to the interval on level terms, O'Gorman broke the deadlock.

Peamount upped the tempo in the second-half and had early chances from Doyle and Chloe Moloney, the latter denied by the crossbar.

The second goal arrived just after the hour and the chance was created by Stephanie Roche's lay-off to Doyle who still had plenty to do, but embarked on a mazy run before firing past Mahon.

Gritty and determined would be the best way to describe the Sligo response to conceding that goal and they battled for the remainder without creating any real chances.

Sligo also lost goalkeeper Mahon to injury with about 10 minutes remaining and she was replaced by Farrah McDonagh.

Overall, it was a composed and disciplined display by Peamount against a hard-working and focused Sligo Rovers side.