- Paul Corcoran
- Sat, Aug 31 2024
Paul Corcoran reports from Eamonn Deacy Park
Galway extended their winning run in the Women’s Premier Division to three games with a 2-1 win in the Connacht Derby against Sligo Rovers on Saturday evening.
Goals in either half from Amanda Smith and Emma Doherty were enough to bring Galway United to six points off the top of the table – with Paula McGrory scoring from the penalty spot for the away side.
This Connacht Derby was a scrappy affair in the opening minutes with little to talk about in the way of clear cut chances.
Emma Doherty fired an effort wide against her former club in the 7th minute after some good link up play with Lynsey McKey on the right wing, but it was Sligo that seemed broadly on top.
That pressure paid off with Rachel McGoldrick drawing a save from Jessica Berlin from long range and Paula McGrory firing over the bar later in the first half.
The Tribeswomen went incredibly close in the 16th minute with goalkeeper Amber Hardy blocking the ball on the line as a long range shot from Jenna Slattery snuck all the way through a crowded box.
United were in front in the 18th minute after an error by Hardy allowed Julie Ann Russell to collect the ball on the endline, she squared the ball to Doherty, but the Sligo shot stopper recovered well to deny the former Rovers striker.
The rebound went just as far as Amanda Smith inside the box with the Canadian firing the ball into the net for her first Galway United goal.
Sligo Rovers took their opportunity to draw level in the 35th minute Keri Loughrey was fouled by Isabella Beletic inside the area – Paula McGrory dispatched the spot kick and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner.
Galway United manager Phil Trill introduced Aislinn Meaney off the bench at half time and the midfielder made an immediate impact.
Jenna Slattery clipped the crossbar after a neat pass from Meaney brought the home side into the box just after the re-start, she followed up herself with a shot just wide of the post a few moments later.
The Tribeswomen were back in front in the 53rd minute, Amy Madden took the ball out of defence with a great run before playing the diagonal pass to Doherty. Hardy got fingertips to the striker’s placed shot, but she couldn’t keep it out of the bottom corner.
Doherty was played in again in the 67th minute, with Russell providing a lovely through ball on this occasion, Hardy made a great save to deny the striker from close range.
The former Rovers striker returned the favour in the 73rd minute when she linked up well with Russell inside the box, the forward squared the ball to the Ireland international, but Hardy made a crucial save once again to deny the home side.
Meaney played a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Russell in the 84th minute, the forward raced toward goal but with strong pressure from defender Keeva Flynn she fired over the bar.
At the other end, Rebecca Doddy very nearly sealed an equaliser with her first touch of the game having come off the bench to replace Paula McGrory. The striker drew a fingertip save from Jessica Berlin when a failed clearance fell into her path.
United pressed for a third goal to seal this fixture but the game ended 2-1. Galway United are back in action on Wednesday when they host Treaty United at Eamonn Deacy Park, while Sligo Rovers host DLR Waves next Saturday for their next fixture.
Galway United Women: Jessica Berlin; Jamie Erickson, Lucy-Jayne Grant, Therese Kinnevey, Amy Madden; Isabella Beletic, Lynsey McKey (Aislinn Meaney 46), Jenna Slattery, Amanda Smith (Emma Duffy 84); Emma Doherty (Rola Olusola 90), Julie-Ann Russell.
Subs not used: Kaylee Hammer, Aoibheann Costello, Heather Loomes, Roisin Jacob, Emily Kavanaugh, Abbie Callanan.
Booked: None.
Sligo Rovers WFC: Amber Hardy; Keeva Flynn, Leah Kelly, Sarah Kiernan, Eimear Lafferty, Alice Lillie, Anna McDaniel (Cara King 83); Muireann Devaney, Keri Loughrey, Rachel McGoldrick (Jessica Casey 78); Paula McGrory (Rebecca Doddy 83).
Subs not used: Caoimhe O'Reilly, Kate Nugent, Lauren Devaney, Lesley Anne Sweeney, Rosie Burke, Katie Melly.
Booked: Keri Loughrey (31), Muireann Devaney (48).
Referee: Alan Franklin.
extratime.com Player of the Match: Emma Doherty (Galway United)
