Double winners Athlone Town were held to a draw by Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds on the opening afternoon of the new SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division season, as the Bit O'Red got their season off to an impressive start.
In what will go down as a disappointing first day out for John Sullivan's charges, Dana Scheriff handed the Lissywollen side the lead on 55 minutes although it was the hosts who were the more imposing side before this.
With a core of new signings, Rovers created plenty throughout and deservedly levelled this tie on 68 minutes when captain Emma Hansberry's free-kick from out wide sailed all the way in following some loose defending from the visitors.
In just their fifth season in women's senior football, a very much new-look Rovers lined out under the tutelage of new boss, former Bohemians coach Gavin Hughes.
No fewer than nine new signings were included in the match day squad including six former US college players who had made the move across the Atlantic during the winter. Former Bohs midfielder Kelsey McQuillan and ex-Galway woman Emma Duffy were also involved for Rovers for the first time.
Chasing a third Women's Premier Division crown in as many years, having only won their first title in 2024, Scheriff led the Town line following the departure of last year's top scorer Kelly Brady who moved on to Crystal Palace in January. Boss Sullivan was also without maestros Maddie Gibson and Noelle Murray both of whom were not involved in the match day squad.
Rovers shipped eight goals without reply in their two games against Athlone last season. However, it was clear from the opening exchanges that history wasn't going to repeat itself here.
Working off the physicality of striker Paula McGrory, Sligo went at their illustrious guests and after Town skipper Hannah Waesch had fired wide early on, it was the hosts who got about their business.
Debutant Cara Jordan pulled an impressive full stretch save from Athlone goalkeeper Maria Matthaiou after McGrory had played in the Connecticut native.
Sabrina Hillyer was next to create for Sligo 90 seconds later when she laid possession on to the foot of McGrory but her shot from inside the area lacked power.
Another American import went close for the home side on 19 minutes when Ella Karolak's first time shot drifted narrowly wide from a Hansberry set piece.
Sligo, who haven't finished outside of the bottom three in their short few years in the Premier Division, again threatened on the half hour. Alice Lillie fired an effort across the face of the Town goal as Sligo grew further in confidence.
Dana Scheriff puts Athlone in front 🤠 pic.twitter.com/EJhR3OcISC
— LOI Women (@LoiWomen) March 14, 2026
A lapse in the Rovers defence before the break threatened to undo their fine work.
A brief moment of chaos inside the Sligo area led to hestinancy in their rearguard, allowing Scheriff the chance to profit against the run of play. Bonnie McKiernan was alert however to throw herself in front of the former Slavia Prague forward as she bundled her way through the challenges.
Recovered from their first half rustiness, the double winners showed their class ten minutes into the second half when they broke down their right side with speed through Melissa O'Kane and Isabel Ryan. The latter's cross was finished off by Scheriff from close range for the New York girl's second goal of the year following her winner in the President's Cup final last weekend.
Athlone net minder Matthaiou won't be keen to watch back Hansberry's equaliser on 68 minutes.
The Cypriot wasn't helped by questionable defending from Natalie McNally who failed to clear the set piece, but was stationary as she watched Irish international Hansberry's set piece from considerable distance, sail beyond her and into the corner of the net.
Frustrated, the Midlanders did create further chances courtesy of McNally and substitute Hazel Donegan but Rovers too could have taken the points late on.
Matthaiou was the hero on this occasion as she threw a hand on McGrory's header from a Jordan setpiece with four minutes to go.
Sligo Rovers: Bonnie McKiernan, Leah Kelly, Ava Hallinan, Emma Hansberry (Manuela Filipe 79), Cara Jordan, Paula McGrory (Rachel McGoldrick 91), Ella Karolak, Sabrina Hilllyer (Abby Rooney 90+1), Kelsey McQuillan (Mairead McIntyre 73), Alice Lille, Sydney Stephens
Athlone Town: Maria Matthaiou, Kellie Brennan, Kayleigh Shine, Shauna Brennan, Natalie McNally, Hannah Waesch, Dana Scheriff, Roisin Molloy, Isabel Ryan (Alexis Strickland 65), Emma Mooney, Melissa O'Kane (Hazel Donegan 65)
Referee: Arnie Hunter
Attendance: 473
Shelbourne got off to the perfect start in the new campaign with a 2-0 defeat of Treaty United at Tolka Park.
Aoife Kelly broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, and Becky Watkins wrappedi it up with a second goal just before the break, her effort squirming home.
There's been plenty of talk about Shamrock Rovers' hopes of launching a title challenge this year and they enjoyed a good 2-0 win at Cork City on their first day out.
Sadhbh Doyle put them ahead with 23 minutes gone, finishing from a tight angle after a really nice move. And Emily Corbet's effort three minutes before the break left Cork with a mountain too big to climb.
A fine Isabella Beletic hader in the 74th minute gave Galway United a 1-0 win at DLR Waves.
Waterford and Wexford played out a 0-0 draw, with Maria O'Sullivan making a super penalty save to deny the Blues' Fiana Bradley in the 80th minute.
We're level again at Greenogue Park ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/pHfNk3Dpoe
— LOI Women (@LoiWomen) March 14, 2026
Peamount United twice fought back against Bohemians to earn a 2-2 draw.
Sarah McKevitt put Bohs ahead in the 36th minute, with Sorcha Melia equalising four minutes into the second period.
McKevitt struck again after 55 minutes, however Mary Phillips's goal 18 minutes from the end meant it ended all square.
