Sligo Rovers overcame Bohemians in a five goal thriller at Dalymount Park to go level with Shamrock Rovers in fourth in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division standings.
First half goals from Alana Doherty, Cara Jordan and Ava Hallinan ensured the visitors unbeaten run stretched to nine in the league, despite a second half rally from the spirited home side with both Alannah McEvoy and Aoife Fennell netting.
The hosts, somewhat incredibly looking for just their second league win of the season stretching back to the 21 March – and also seeking to avenge a 5-1 defeat at The Showgrounds in the reverse fixture – must have feared the worst when after just four minutes played they fell behind to a towering Alana Doherty header from a deadly Ella Karolak delivery.
The visitors now without their star Sydney Stephens – who helped herself to a hat-trick back in May – and recently made a blockbuster move to Mexican side Atlas FC Femini, were not content with just one.
Another star in the making, Cara Jordan, one of six Americans in the Sligo squad, almost doubled their lead when the exciting winger cut inside from the right wing and unleashed a stunning left-footed effort that smashed the far post.
The hosts tried desperately to regain a foothold in the game and looked more dangerous getting the ball to left-winger Lauryn McCabe delivering some dangerous crosses.
But their momentum came to a crashing halt when the unfortunate Fennell slipped, allowing Ava Hallinan to race clear on goal. Fiona Donnelly showed tremendous determination to recover but was adjudged to have brought down Fennell as she entered the box following a tussle.
Jordan took responsibility from the spot and made no mistake, slotting into the bottom right corner to make it two.
Gavin Hughes’ side sensed blood and added a third on the stroke of the break, again taking advantage of some sloppy play out from the back.
Hallinan was sharp latching onto Bohs skipper Rachael Kelly’s clearance and quickly flicked the ball past Fennell and went the other side of the defender and raced clear on goal.
Ava Hallinan scored Sligo’s third
The Irish Under-17 international then showed composure way beyond her years to slot the ball around the onrushing Kelly.
Bohemians boss Alan Murphy, clearly unhappy at his sides first-half showing, opted for four substitutions to try and claw their way back into the game and almost made an immediate impact as his side began to play further up the pitch on the resumption
Savannah Kane was unlucky when she broke the office trap and found herself bearing down on goal, but just as she pulled the trigger was halted by an incredible recovery challenge from Karolak.
The hosts continued to press and got the reward their second-half endeavours deserved with just over 15 minutes remaining.
Karloak tried to nick the ball through the back of Aoibhe Brennan just inside the area and referee Ruben Collins again pointed to the spot. Substitute Alannah McEvoy went the same side as Cara Jordan dis earlier to reduce the deficit to two and set up a nervier ending than the Bit O’Red had anticipated.
With just seconds remaining there were questions of ‘they couldn’t, could they?’ when Fennell hit an unstoppable effort from 30-yards out that arrowed into the top corner, giving McKiernan no chance.
But despite that strike, It was just too little too late as the visitors held on to earn a big three points.
Bohemians: Rachael Kelly; Aoife Brophy, Aoife Fennell, Lisa Murphy (Hannah O’Brien, 46’), Sarah Power; Fiona Donnelly, Aoibhe Brennan; Leiagh Glennon (Alannah McEvoy, 46’) Alex Devoy (Katie Malone, 46’), Lauryn McCabe (Sarah McKevitt, 46’); Savannah Kane (Hannah Healy, 72’)
Sligo Rovers: Bonnie McKiernan; Alice Little, Alana Doherty, Ella Karolak, Sabrina Hillyer (Leah Kelly, 81’); Cara Jordan, Emma Hansberry (Paula McGrory, 41’), Emma Duffy, Ava Hallinan (Gracie Dunaway, 59’); Olivia Rush, Anna McDaniel (Sarah McCaffrey, 81’).
Elsewhere, Ciara Milton netted after 88 minutes to rescue a point for Shamrock Rovers at home to Waterford, as it finished 1-1. Fiona Bradley had put the Blues in front just after the hour.
Shelbourne missed the chance to go above Galway United in second after they were held by Treaty United, in another 1-1 scoreline.
The goals came early, with Caroline Penner firing Treaty ahead on four minutes before Olivia Damico levelled for visitors on 18.
Wexford came from behind to beat Cork City 3-1 at St Colman’s Park.
Ellie O’Brien put Cork ahead after eight minutes, but the visitors responded instantly through Leah McGrath before second-half strikes from Courtney Chochol and Christe Gray gave Wexford all three points.