But Rovers lose in Wexford
STANDINGS
1. Wexford Youths
2. Shelbourne
3. Peamount Utd
4. Athlone Town
5. Galway WFC
6. DLR Waves
7. Bohemians
8. Sligo Rovers
9. Cork City
10. Treaty Utd
P W 24 16 24 16 24 15 24 15 24 10 24 9 24 9 24 6 24 5 24 0
D 4 3 4 4 6 7 6 2 0 2
L 4 5 5 5 8 8 9 16 19 22
F 53 58 66 43 46 38 33 29 22 5
Doherty who whipped an ambitious effort – identical to McGuinness’ earlier cross – over the head of Maeve Williams and into the back of the net.
As the second-half began, Wexford looked to take control and it would be a season-long problem for the Bit O’Red which would restore Wexford’s two-goal lead – a corner floated to the far post found a completely unmarked Kylie Murphy, who headed home with ease.
Rovers responded immediately when an excellently weighted corner from Emma Hansberry appeared to be met by the
Diff +29 +46 +43 +20 +16 +11 +2 -25 -54 -88 head of a couple of her team-mates. While Ruth Monaghan may have a claim to the goal, the official record states that it was Emma Doherty who got the most telling connection for her second of the game – and 11th of the season.
Rovers defended resolutely again as they hoped to hit Wexford on the counter for a third, yet the goals would eventually come all too easily again for the title contenders.
Kylie Murphy scored her third from another simple header in the 79th minute. Ciara Rossiter put the result beyond doubt a minute later when she reacted quickest to a parried save by Amy Mahon.
Rovers play their penultimate game of the season this Saturday when they take on Shelbourne in Dublin (2pm). Defending champions Shelbourne are currently second in the standings, a point behind Wexford.
Best for Rovers: Emma Doherty
Sligo Rovers (v Wexford Youths): Amy Mahon, Leah Kelly, Ruth Monaghan (Kerri O’Hara 74), Amy Roddy, Orna O’Dowd (Sarah Kiernan 74), Emma Hansberry (Fiona Doherty 82), Lauren Boles, Katie Melly (Aife Haran 74), Gemma McGuinness, Paula McGrory (Lauren McLellan 86), Emma Doherty
Subs not used: Anais Coyne (gk), Amy Hyndman, Ciara Henry
SCORER: Emma Doherty netted twice for Rovers last Saturday – her first goals in the WNL since July 30.