Rovers still searching for first win of season

AT THE SHOWGROUNDS

Tommy Hewitt’s Sligo Rovers side are still seeking a first win of the season after holding Bohemians to a scoreless draw at The Showgrounds on Saturday evening.

But, a draw was a much improved result following the previous weekend’s 4-1 defeat to Wexford.

Tommy Hewitt made four changes to the side that was beaten last week by Wexford.

Bonnie McKiernan came into goals with Amber Hardy unavailable, and Cara King, Eimear Lafferty and Katie Melly all came into the team in place of Jodie Loughrey, Alice Lillie and Kelly Crompton.

Keeva Flynn was outstanding for Sligo Rovers from the off, dealing brilliantly with Bohs’ experience, with Alannah McEvoy kept at bay for the duration of the game.

Ken Kiernan’s side looked more threatening in the first-half, with Bonnie McKiernan holding on well to Tiegan Ruddy’s cross come shot early on.

Sarah McKevitt went close for the visitors, too, but again McKiernan did well in goals to keep Rovers level.

Rachael Kelly in the Bohs goals was a spectator for periods of the game, but was called into action before half-time when Eimear Lafferty had a go, her effort going wide of the post in the end.

Bohs started the second half where they left off, but the hosts grew into the game and actually looked more likely to score.

Keeva Flynn nodded wide from a corner, with the impressive Zoe McGlynn continually putting dangerous crosses into the box.

Hewitt’s substitutions, Alice Lillie, Rachel McGoldrick and Lauren Devaney, all made a huge difference, with Lillie and McGoldrick proving to be a handful for Bohs’ experienced defence.

Lillie and McGoldrick were linking up well, with both players making dangerous runs into the Bohs box.

Al in all, a draw was a fair result from a game that will not live long in the memory.

But Rovers manager Tommy Hewitt will be proud of his side’s fight and desire.

Rovers worked hard, and although Kelly in the Bohs goals had very few saves to make, there were still plenty of positives for the Bit O’Red.

It’s back to the Avenir Sports All Island Cup this weekend when Rovers host Glentoran at The Showgrounds on Sunday evening.

Sligo Rovers: Bonnie McKiernan, Kelsey Munroe, Keeva Flynn, Eimear Lafferty, Sarah Kiernan, Muireann Devaney, Zoe McGlynn, Amy Roddy (Lauren Devaney, 57), Katie Melly (Alice Lillie, 57), Keri Loughrey, Cara King (Rachel McGoldrick, 70).

Bohemian FC: Rachael Kelly, Ciara Smith (Savannah Kane, 74), Sarah Power (Katie Malone, 74), Lisa Murphy, Katie Lovely, Shauna Carroll, Tiegan Ruddy, Fiona Donnelly, Sarah McKevitt (Orlagh Fitzpatrick, 86), Aoibhe Brennan, Alannah McEvoy.

Referee: Michael Connolly.