Athlone Town returned to WPD action with a win, fine first half strikes from Dana Scheriff and Chloe Singleton earning them the three points against Sligo Rovers.

Defences dominated the opening stages, both goalkeepers, Katie Keane, and Bonnie McKiernan, excellently marshalled by their backline through the first twenty-five minutes.

Before the half hour, however, the deadlock was broken beautifully.  Intricate passing saw Roisin Molloy find Dana Scheriff in space, the striker scurrying through to score confidently, Athlone ahead as half time approached.

The visitors were then forced into a defensive reshuffle, Sarah Kiernan off, presumably to injury, Keeva Flynn her replacement entering the fray perhaps earlier than she expected!

With the interval looming, Athlone upped the ante and earned just reward right on half time, Chloe Singleton soaring to score their second from Madison Gibson’s ball in.

Having won 1-3 away to Sligo back in late April, with Molloy and Gibson, twice, scoring, Sligo were surely sick of the sight of the pair by now!  Roles, so far, reversed, as they both turned provider.

A slower start saw the second half illuminated by more Molloy magic on the hour, the winger driving down the right with purpose, her cutback was precise, but Scheriff shot over the bar, a reprieve for Sligo as it remained 2-0.

Athlone were then angered after strong handball appeals were waved away by referee, Jason Moore, the hosts pushing hard for a third. 

Sligo won a succession of corners but were almost undone on the counterattack, Gibson gliding in on goal, great dribbling down the left, the finish though skying McKiernan’s crossbar.

Pinball ensued in the Sligo box with Gillian Keenan seeing her shot repelled by McKiernan, the away side relieved to get it clear. The only complaint Athlone may have is that they only took two of their scoring opportunities.

So, it’s as you were in the league table after results elsewhere today, Athlone back to within one point of sixth placed Wexford Youths, Sligo stay in tenth.

Both will hope that it is home comforts next weekend as FAI Cup campaigns get underway, Athlone in action here hosting Galway United.  Sligo, meanwhile, welcome FAI Amateur Cup, runners-up, Bonagee United, from Donegal, to the Showgrounds on Sunday afternoon.