The weekend's League of Ireland SSS Airtricity Women's Premier Division action kicked off in dramatic fashion as Shelbourne beat Bohemians in a keenly contested North-Dublin derby at Tolka Park.
Under the watchful eye of Women's National team boss Eileen Gleeson, the home side took bragging rights with a goal of the season contender from Noelle Murray in a highly entertaining game full of grit and endeavour.
Ken Kiernan’s well-drilled outfit did look impressive against a Reds side who, albeit temporarily, jumped to second in the table thanks to the win.
As expected it was the home side who set their stall out early dominating possession, but failed to really test Gypsie’s skipper Rachael Kelly.
And it was the visitors who had the clearest opportunity to make the breakthrough, with a quarter of an hour gone, when Sarah McKevitt found space at the back post but, instead of striking first time on the uneven surface, she opted to take a touch before blasting over with the goal at her mercy.
The enigmatic Murray responded for the hosts going close from distance, narrowly missing the top corner.
With the pressure mounting, Shelbourne really should have been ahead minutes later when Leah Doyle whipped in a dangerous low cross from the left, finding Hannah Healy on the penalty spot but again couldn't hit the target.
Bohs player of the month, Alannah McEvoy, worked tirelessly up front on her own in an intriguing battle with Pearl Slattery, and went close with a header herself that nearly snuck in at the back post.
The home side looked much sharper after the break and on the hour mark broke the deadlock, and in some style too.
Much like her earlier strike from distance, Noelle Murray picked up the ball in a pocket of space just behind the Bohs midfield before getting the ball out of her feet and unleashing an unstoppable strike high over Kelly to grab her 100th goal for the club - just the fourth person to do so in the clubs history and the first woman.
What a hit, Noelle Murray 👏 #LOI | #SHEBOH
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) May 4, 2024
pic.twitter.com/lGlrApiPBV
In a much more open game now both keepers were called into outstanding saves. Up first was Amanda McQuillan who showed cat-like reflexes to sharply deny McKevitt who got on the end of Shauna Carroll’s cross, and straight down the other end went the hosts as they saw Roma McLoughlin’s volley bravely stopped by Kelly from point-blank range.
But it was Shels who held firm and saw out the game in professional manner to earn their third win on the spin.
Shelbourne FC: Amanda McQuillan, Keeva Keenan, Pearl Slattery, Leah Doyle (Christie Gray, 61’) Rachel Graham (Alex Kavanagh, 61’), Noelle Murray (Rebecca Devereux, 83’), Hannah Healy (Jemma Quinn, 61’) Roma McLoughlin (Mia Dodd, 73’), Jess Gargan, Lucy O’Rourke, Maggie Pierce.
Bohemian FC: Rachael Kelly, Lisa Murphy, Tiegan Ruddy, Fiona Donnelly, Aoibhe Brennan, Sarah McKevitt (Rachel McGrath, 85’), Alannah McEvoy, Sarah Power, Savannah Kane (Katie Malone, 67’), Katie Lovely (Aoibhe Fleming, 77’) Shauna Carroll (Orlagh Fitzpatrick, 77’).
Referee: John Sconnie Walsh.
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League leaders Galway United continue their dominance with a 4-0 victory over DLR Waves.
At half-time in Eamonn Deacy Park, the score read 2-0, thanks to goals from Jenna Slattery who found the net from the penalty spot, closely followed by a strike from captain Lynsey McKey.
The goals continued in the second half from Erickson and Costello and Galway storm ahead four points clear of Shelbourne.
Elsewhere, Shamrock Rovers' winless streak extended to five games after a 2-0 loss to champions Peamount United.
Two goals from Erin McLaughlin bring Peamount's table position to fourth with three wins, and are tied with Athlone town on 10 points apiece.
An early goal from Ellen Molloy and a hat-trick from Ciara Rossiter brought Wexford Youths' their first win of the season as they dispatched Sligo Rovers 4-1.
