Bohemians will look to extend their unbeaten run to six games this afternoon (3pm) as they travel to Markets Field to take on Treaty United in their penultimate SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division fixture of the 2025 season, writes GARY O’CONNOR.
Bohs come into the game on a high after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Sligo Rovers at Dalymount Park last Saturday, a result that continued their impressive recent form and kept momentum building nicely ahead of a first FAI Cup final in two weeks.
It was a game that saw Alban Hysa make six changes to his starting XI from the side that drew 2-2 with Shamrock Rovers the previous week, and the rotation paid off. The Gypsies made the perfect start when Katie Malone headed them in front after just three minutes. Sligo hit back through Anna McDaniel on 21 minutes, but a brilliant through ball from RoisĂn McGovern allowed Malone to round the goalkeeper and restore Bohs’ advantage just after the half hour mark.
The visitors equalised again before half time thanks to Paula McGrory, but Bohs showed their growing maturity and resilience to push for a winner late on. Savannah Kane was fouled inside the box in the dying minutes, and Alannah McEvoy made no mistake from the spot to secure a 3-2 win and all three points.
Reflecting on the performance, Hysa was pleased with his side’s character despite acknowledging that it wasn’t their most polished display:
“We made a lot of changes to give everyone a run and a chance for certain players to have a break before the final, it was a chance to give other players an opportunity to be seen and to impress. I thought the first half generally in terms of passages of play we did well, we were quite sloppy at the back so we conceded two goals that we shouldn’t have conceded and that comes down to experience but it will come for these players. In the second half we made changes trying to chase the game, we weren’t at our best on the day but all that matters is we got the three points.”
The Bohs boss was also encouraged by how his side responded to adversity, particularly after recent comeback results.
“Again in the second half we showed our resilience to want to get over the line, which we probably haven’t seen enough in the past, coming back from 2-0 down against Rovers and going to go and push for a win against Sligo regardless of the changes, it is very encouraging to see that character from the squad.”
Next up is a trip to Limerick to face a Treaty side who have endured a difficult week. Monday saw manager Sean Russell depart the club following a heavy 6-0 defeat to Peamount United, a result that leaves Treaty searching for a response with just two league games remaining.
Bohs, meanwhile, will be looking to replicate the performance that saw them beat Treaty 2-0 at Dalymount Park last month to book their place in the FAI Cup final. But Hysa is expecting a reaction from the hosts.
“After a disappointing result against Peamount we will be expecting a reaction, they will have had a lot to think about throughout the week and will no doubt be looking to bounce back straight away. We will have to be at our best, start well and be defensively solid at the back because if we don’t concede, we know ourselves that we will score goals, so it’s just a matter of us playing our game rather than focusing too much on Treaty.”
Having faced them so recently, Bohs will know what to expect.
“It helps somewhat, they are the same team, they play the same way, they don’t really change systems to be honest. So it is the same expectations of Treaty in terms of what you expect. We will do our homework but will be more focused on ourselves.”
The Sligo win marked another significant occasion for captain Rachael Kelly, who made her 100th appearance for the club, a milestone Hysa was keen to highlight.
“Rachael is amazing and has been amazing throughout the year, she is the captain of the team and she shows that on the pitch and also off it too. She is a big part of integrating the players in the team and facilitating their growth as much as the management team in the background. She is immense to have in the team not just as captain but a leader on and off the pitch.”
With just two league fixtures remaining before their first ever FAI Cup final, Bohs will be eager to maintain their strong run of form and finish the domestic campaign on a high. Three points in Limerick would ensure their unbeaten streak stretches to six and keep confidence sky high heading into the most important match in the club’s history.
Team News
Shauna Carroll (foot) and Aoibhe Fleming (foot) remain out.