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Stephanie Roche was on target as the Republic of Ireland women team defeated Slovakia, despite their recent dispute with the Football Association of Ireland.


Ireland werethe victors by the slimmest of margins but it was enough in the game played at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin.

Roche scored the goal from the penalty spot in the second half to hand them the win, despite the team’s refusal to participate in an FAI training camp. The women had issues about their working conditions and they negotiated with the FAI until Thursday morning, ahead of the Monday fixture.

The game was close to being boycotted after the squad slammed the FAI at a press conference. They alleged that they had to change in public toilets for games despite being the senior women team for the Republic. There were also grievances about their contract remuneration.

The Sunderland Ladies player scored her 14th international goal in 52 games to hand the first home victory to newly appointed manager Colin Bell. Bell accepted the coaching role in February but only just supervised the team’s first home fixture.

The home side were persistent in their attacks and they earned the set piece when Megan Connolly was fouled in the box almost immediately after the break. The side were happy to get the victory as they prepare to face Iceland and Scotland in friendly games in the summer before World Cup qualification kicks in.
Katie McCabe was awarded the Player of the Match for her commanding performance against the Slovaks.