Reigning SSE Airtricity Women's National League champions Shelbourne extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points after a highly entertaining draw against Bohemians in a Dublin derby at Tolka Park.
Both sides couldn't be separated on the night, but not for the want of trying, as both sets of players left it all out in the famous old ground with defences just coming out on top.
The home side had been in decent form of late, unbeaten in three, including a remarkable 10-0 away win at Treaty United, and prior to kick-off bolstered their squad with the announcement of a trio of new signings in the form of Emma Starr, Izzy Glennon and Courtney Maguire.
Although the hosts dominated possession, it was Bohs who looked a threat on the break in the early exchanges.
Rebecca Cooke had a couple of long-range efforts and speedster Abbie Brophy on the right wing looked to cause problems with her pace as a nice little battle with Leah Doyle started to develop.
The league leaders came closest to breaking the deadlock with 20 minutes played as Megan Smyth-Lynch smashed a left-footed free-kick off the crossbar, rebounding to safety much to the gratitude and relief of Rachael Kelly in the Bohs goal.
The game became a lot more open as the half wore on, with both sides missing glorious chances to take the lead.
Jemma Quinn, following a clever one-two with strike partner Noelle Murray, found herself through on goal but under pressure could only poke the ball towards goal.
Almost immediately down the other end, Erica Burke showed great strength to hold off Pearl Slattery on the edge of the area but just couldn't hit the target.
The momentum began to sway in the visitors favour and it was Brophy who was becoming a real thorn in hosts' side.
The ex-Shels underage star stood up a brilliant cross to the back post to find Chloe Darby, who rose highest but looped a header over the bar.
The half-time whistle probably came at the right time for Noel King's charges as Bohs, with three wins in their last four and having strengthened themselves recently with the addition of Niamh Prior and Rachel Doyle from DLR Waves, finished the half stronger, forcing a spate of corners bravely dealt with by the Reds rearguard.
There must have been some stern words exchanged at half-time as Shelbourne came flying out of the traps.
Brophy showed great pace and skill to fashion a shot, cutting in from the right wing, but her left-footed effort was straight at Kelly.
Rachel Graham was next to go close as she narrowly missed the top corner with a left-footed curler as the pressure began to ramp up from the home side.
The Bohs defence to their credit were holding firm, looking for that chance on the break, but just after the hour mark Kelly was forced into action again, saving smartly from a Smyth-Lynch chest and volley.
As the clock ticked towards the 90-minute mark, and despite their second-half dominance, Shels were almost hit with a sucker punch.
On a lightning quick counter, player-of-the-match Brophy did well to dig out a cross to find substitute Aoife Robinson, who headed just wide of the near post.
Up next for the Reds is a trip to third-from-bottom Sligo Rovers as they look to grab another vital win in their march towards the title and keep the chasing pack at arms length, while Bohs will host second-from-bottom Cork City at Dalymount Park, with both games taking place Saturday evening.
Shelbourne FC: Amanda Budden, Jess Gargan, Jessie Stapleton, Pearl Slattery, Alex Kavanagh (Shauna Fox, 64'), Rachel Graham, Abbie Larkin, Noelle Murray, Megan Smyth-Lynch (Izzy Glennon, 88’), Leah Doyle (Keeva Keenan 75’), Jemma Quinn (Emma Starr, 75’).
Subs not used: Amanda McQuillan, Courtney Maguire, Taylor White, Kate O’Dowd, Keeva Keenan, Nia Hannon.
Bohemian FC: Rachel Kelly, Ann-Marie Byrne, Isobel Finnegan, Lisa Murphy, Katie Lovely, Rachel Doyle, Chloe Derby (Aoife Robinson, 71’), Kira Bates-Crosbie, Rebecca Cooke, Abbie Brophy, Erica Burke.
Subs not used: Katie Burdis, Niamh Prior, Oleta Griffin, Bronagh Kane, Freya Roche, Erin Phelan, Abbie O’Hara, Molloy O’Brien.
Referee: Mark Patchell
