Wexford Youths bounced back from FAI Cup elimination in style, Ciara Rossiter pulling the strings in a comprehensive win away to Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds tonight.

Seeking just their second league win of the season, Sligo were backed by a buoyant, loud, and proud crowd but keeper Bonnie McKiernan spared them a morale-sapping early concession, saving from Edel Kennedy three minutes in.

With star striker, Rianna Jarrett injured in the warmup, Wexford, for all their early dominance were unable to convert a couple of half chances, Sligo’s strike duo of Emma Doherty and Casey Howe feeding off scraps.

The visitors then converted their pressure, deservedly leading after a lovely, defence-splitting pass by Abbie Brophy freed Meabh Russell out right, her cutback steered home expertly by Kennedy.

Doherty began seeing more of the ball, but Sligo’s best chance fell to midfielder, Jodie Loughrey, who blazed well wide after thirty minutes.

Sligo then suffered a sucker punch right on half time as Rossiter sprung down the wing, her ball in was struck sweetly by Michaela Lawrence, Jarrett’s replacement, Wexford two up at the break.

Brophy had the ball in the net when play resumed as well but saw her effort ruled out by the offside flag being raised.

Wexford were rapid on the counterattack so although it was Sligo pushing hard in possession, the away side posed considerably more of a threat with their rapid raids up field.

Howe extended away netminder, Claudia Keenan, reacting sharply to keep out Howe’s drilled effort.

That proved pivotal when, minutes later, Rossiter once more romped down the wing unstoppably, captain Kylie Murphy this time the player to profit, picking out the bottom corner with aplomb.

Rossiter then got the goal her driving performance merited, winning possession back high up and applying a delightful, lobbed finish over the backpedalling McKiernan as Wexford returned to winning ways in bags and bags of style.

A night to forget for the hosts, who despite flickering in fleeting flashes, were outclassed.

They did have something to cheer four minutes from the end, at least, Howe rewarded for her endeavours, powerfully heading in a corner after Keenan had superbly repelled her shot.

Sligo travel to Dublin next week to face Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght (5:30pm KO).  Wexford Youths return home to Ferrycarig Park to play Treaty United (6pm KO).