The points were shared in an intriguing south Dublin derby, as Peamount Utd and Shamrock Rovers couldn't be separated at PRL Park.
However, the home side will feel this was two points dropped after Karen Duggan missed a penalty in the 89th minute.
Both teams came into this top-of-the-table grudge match in flying form, with Rovers unbeaten so far this season and fresh off a derby win versus Bohemians last week in front of record crowds.
James O'Callaghan's table-topping Peamount have shown tremendous consistency to remain top of the pile winning six from seven, having displayed the fighting spirit to come from behind to win against a strong Wexford Youths side.
Both teams came flying out of the traps in a physical battle epitomised by the first challenge of the game, Jess Gargan crashing into Sadhbh Doyle.
In a cagey, but high quality first half, they cancelled each other out with little in the way of goalmouth action. Fascinating battles were developing early all over the pitch.
Peas' teenage sensation Tara O'Hanlon had a free-kick from distance sail wide midway through the half. While putting in another top defensive performance to justify the hype, O'Hanlon kept her international teammates Aine O’Gorman and Abbie Larkin quiet as they took turns out wide.
The home side enjoyed large spells of possession as the half progressed but were met by the imperious Jessica Hennessy any time they entered the attacking third. Playing the better football, Peamount could have found themselves behind if Shauna Fox had directed her header on target, having risen highest in a crowded area.
The tense toing and froing continued after the break but as the hour mark approached, little gaps began to open up in both defences. The impressive Doyle turned sharply in the middle of the park to fashion a yard of space and hit a thunderous low drive that was saved by player-of-the-match, Amanda Budden.
Midway through the second half, crowds in PRL Park thought the hosts had taken the lead when Jess Fitzgerald delivered a deep free-kick right onto the penalty spot, finding Kate Mooney, who’s header grazed the near post.
With a quarter of an hour remaining the home side really forced the issue, but Budden was equal to Mooney’s excellent cross goal shot that looked destined for the bottom corner.
The relentless pressing by the Peas finally paid dividends in the 89th minute when they were awarded a penalty after a clumsy challenge on Doyle.
Duggan took responsibility, stepping up confidently to the spot. The Peas' Skipper was denied by her housemate, Budden, who showed incredible agility to earn a valuable point for her side, and keep the unbeaten run going.
Peamount United: Niamh Reid-Burke, Lauryn O’Callaghan, Chloe Moloney, Jetta Berrill, Tara O’Hanlon, Karen Duggan, Jess Fitzgerald, Sadhbh Doyle, Rebecca Watkins, Erin McLoughlin, Kate Mooney (Ellen Dolan, 86’)
Shamrock Rovers: Amanda Budden, Jess Gargan, Shauna Fox, Jessica Hennessy, Savannah McCarthy (Orlaith O’Mahony, 78’), Aine O’Gorman, Aoife Kelly, Alannah McEvoy (Melissa O’Kane, 86’), Lia O’Leary, Abbie Larkin, Jamie Thompson (Lauren Kelly, 73’)
Referee: Oliver Moran
🎥 | A perfect finish from Madison Gibson to put Athlone Town in front 🎯 #LOIW | #SLIATH pic.twitter.com/Txz909E8gx
— LOI Women (@LoiWomen) April 29, 2023
Athlone Town enjoyed a good 3-1 win at Sligo Rovers.
Madison Gison put the visitors ahead int he 34th minute, guiding a neat low finish into the bottom right corner.
Roisin Molloy doubled Athlone's advantage 17 minutes from time with a fine strike from distance.
Casey Howe pulled one back in the 82nd minute, but Gillian Keenan responded less than 60 seconds later to seal the points.
Bohemians defeated Cork City 3-1 at Turner's Cross.
Mia Dodd curled in a briliant angled free-kick on 13 minutes to give Bohs the lead but Christine Dring levelled it up six minutes into the second period.
With the game in the balance on the hour mark, two goals in nine minutes from Lisa Murphy and Rachel Doyle swung it for Bohs.
Wexford Youths earned their first win since March as they got past Shelbourne 1-0 at Ferrycarrig Park.
Rianna Jarrett volleyed home her fourth goal of the season after just seven minutes and that effort ultimately proved the difference.
Galway United dug out a 2-0 vicory over DLR Waves thanks to goals from Gemma McGuinness and Jenna Slattery.
