Sligo Rovers recorded successive wins over Bohemians as the hosts collected a hard-fought second league win of the season at the Showgrounds, tonight.

In a meeting of fifth and tenth, hosts Sligo were hoping to bring the momentum of their FAI Cup run into the semi-finals into a challenging league campaign, where they have won just once so far.

Perhaps, seeking to atone for their own Cup exit, unexpectedly at Sligo’s hands in Dalymount Park a fortnight ago, Bohs were aiming to claw their way back into the table’s top three.

However, Sligo’s feelgood factor was channelled in the opening stages, persistent pressure unconvincingly dealt with by Bohs’ backline, who were punished inside five minutes when midfielder, Keri Loughrey, swept home the opener from close range.

Mia Dodd was cutting an isolated figure up front for the visitors, perhaps shaken by the prospect of successive losses to a Sligo side they had just about squeaked past in May, 1-0 winners, thanks to Lisa Murphy’s strike.

That past win was a long way from Bohs minds when Sligo doubled their lead, just after the half hour mark, a direct corner from Sarah Kiernan curling all the way around, into the net, over a stranded Rachael Kelly in the away goal, the Showgrounds ecstatic, 2-0 to the good.

The goal seemed to spark some life into Bohemians’ attack, McKiernan saving a Katie Lovely strike and Dodd then driving dangerously down the right, her shot inches past the post.

After the break, Bohs bossed the ball but were almost undone on a Sligo counterattack, Kelly smothering the effort from Emma Doherty.

Struggling to generate an offensive momentum, Bohs made a double alteration on the hour but still struggled to find an attacking rhythm.

That all changed in the sixty-sixth minute though, Lynn Craven halving the gap with a screaming, piledriver that flew past McKiernan in the blink of an eye, Bohs back in it to put nerves on high alert amongst the home faithful.

Woodwork denied Doherty getting Sligo’s third, the striker a bustling presence up top and so close to being rewarded with a goal for her endeavours leading the line.

Sligo did seal the points soon enough, though, eleven minutes from time, substitute, Paula McGrory struck a fine long-range strike home, a sweet finish ensure three points and just a second league win of the Women’s Premier Division for Rovers this year.

McGrory would ensure Sligo finished with a flourish, three minutes from the end, the replacement meeting a pinpoint Doherty cross with a brilliant volley past Kelly to leave Bohs stunned and the Showgrounds in satisfied delirium.

Both sides are back in action next in a week’s time, Sligo hosting bottom side Cork City (5pm KO), whilst Bohs return to Dalymount for the visit of Wexford Youths (5:30pm KO).