Peamount United jumped to the top of the Women’s National League table following an impressive Dublin Derby victory, while Cork City, DLR Waves and Galway also secured wins.
Athlone Town 1-4 DLR Waves
It may have gone under many people’s radars but the steady progress being made by DLR Waves was bound to lead to a big result sooner or later – and this was it.
Graham Kelly approaches matters in a realistic fashion and he would have been encouraging his players to keep repeating the same routine because practice makes perfect.
It certainly worked in this fixture as Katie Malone, Catherine Cronin and Ally O’Keeffe netted a goal each while an own goal from Leah Brady helped secure the three points.
Katelyn Keogh got one for Athlone, who know that they need to tighten up defensively but there are periods in their play that are really encouraging.
Galway WFC 1-0 Treaty United
One goal was enough to swing this game in favour of Galway as Chloe Singleton fired in just before the interval to earn a third League win of the season.
The hosts thought that they had taken the lead inside the opening five minutes when Shauna Brennan headed in but the goal was ruled out.
Singleton proved to be the biggest attacking threat for Billy Clery’s team as she got into great positions, unloaded a stinging shot and then got her goal.
Treaty attempted to fight their way back into the game but luck wasn’t on their side as Galway’s midfield and defence stood firm to hold them out.
Shelbourne 1-6 Peamount United
There is never any shortage of drama from this Dublin derby and that proved to the case again in Tolka Park as Peamount knocked Shelbourne off top spot.
Westmeath native Lucy McCartan got things started for the champions with a finish from close range and the goals just kept on coming for James O’Callaghan’s side as they maintained a high line.
Eleanor Ryan-Doyle and substitute Stephanie Roche scored two apiece, while captain Áine O’Gorman also got in on the act as Peamount outplayed their hosts in almost every area.
Shels did get one goal back late on, through Jessica Gargan, but it was not a day to remember for the north Dublin outfit.
Wexford Youths 1-2 Cork City
The form guide suggests that Cork are the team to beat with Ronan Collins’ side bouncing back from a slow start to the season to prove their quality.
This win away to the FAI Women’s Senior Cup holders was well-earned as they got off to a brilliant start with a goal from the ever-impressive Éabha O’Mahony.
Wexford responded through Kylie Murphy to draw the scores level, but Saoirse Noonan, who has been in excellent form of late, got Cork back in front.
There was plenty of good passages of play from both sides, although it was Cork who looked the most likely to take the points and that is exactly what happened.
