Unbeaten Shelbourne failed to move a few points clear in the early game as the title hopefuls were held to a scoreless draw against a hugely impressive Wexford side in a highly entertaining clash.
Although the two teams were missing major potential protagonists in Ceola Bergin, who recently picked up the SSE Airtricity Player of the Month for June, and the talismanic Noelle Murray for the home side, they boasted more than enough quality in their respective squads to cope in their absence.
Following a lively start, in which both showed real quality in possession, it was the high flying hosts that looked the more threatening,
Firstly midfield maestro Alex Kavanagh picked out a clever ball over the top that caused confusion in the Wexford backline, resulting in the ball falling kindly to Jemma Quinn, but she shot straight at Jayne Merron.
Minutes later Kavanagh's midfield partner Maggie Pierce showed great energy to burst forward before dragging her shot agonisingly wide as the hosts began to build up a head of steam.
Hannah Healy was next to go close, as the visitors struggled to play through a well organised high press from the Reds.
Despite being under the cosh for much of the half, the visitors - who have been rejuvenated in recent weeks boasting five wins in a row in all competitions - sent a kind reminder of the attacking threat they possess on the counter. Orlaith Conlon took advantage of a loose pass in the midfield before driving forward to the edge of the area but eventually sliced her shot wide under pressure.
Hugh Strong must have had the hairdryer out at half-time as his team came flying off the blocks in the second half and were desperately unlucky not to take the lead when Teegan Lynch tried her luck from distance but saw the ball crash off the crossbar.
The Messi-like Ellon Molloy then had a volley well saved by Amanda McQuillan as the home side struggled to get going again.
The Reds eventually regained composure and swung momentum back in their favour midway through the second half, putting together an excellent team move that ended with Jess Gargan looping in a cross for substitute Katie McCarn, who saw her header miss the target by a matter of inches
Another bout of high pressing forced a mistake inside the Wexford area, as McCarn picked up the loose ball and smartly set up Roma McLoughlin. But from point-blank range the attacking midfielder saw her powerful strike bravely saved by the in-form Ireland Under-19 International Jayne Merren.
As the game entered the dramatic dying embers, both sides forced glorious chances to snatch all three points.
Jess Gargan thought she had won it for her side but saw her backheel come off the foot of the post following a scramble in the area, which was quickly followed by debutant Alyssa White being denied from just yards out as McQuillan stood big.
But despite their best efforts on the sun soaked Tolka Park pitch, both sides were forced to settle for a point a piece after a thrilling 90-minutes.
Athlone Town took advantage of Shelbourne's slip as Roisín Molloy scored the only goal against DLR Waves at the UCD Bowl.
Molloy's strike was an impressive one, as she received the ball in the middle before embarking on a run and finishing right-footed from a tight angle.
The result means that Athlone's lead over Shels at the top of the table is extended to three points.
Galway United's poor recent run continued as they lost 1-0 to Bohemians at Dalymount Park. It took just five minutes for Alannah McEvoy to head the hosts into the lead and her effort would turn out to be the only goal of the game.
🎥 | GOAL!
— LOI Women (@LoiWomen) July 6, 2024
A lovely passage of play from Shamrock Rovers and Joy Ralph is there to poke it home! 👏#WLOI | #TRESHA pic.twitter.com/DeYgvXCTJ8
Shamrock Rovers' recent resurgence continued with a 3-1 at Treaty United, where the result looked secure by the 35th minute thanks to goals from Joy Ralph and Jessica Hennessy.
Lia O'Leary put the victory beyond doubt on 74 minutes before Danielle Steer scored a late consolation for the hosts.
Cork City ended a run of four straight defeats with a 1-0 win away to champions Peamount United. Freya De Mange scored the only goal of the game at PLR Park just past the hour mark.
Shelbourne: Amanda McQuillan, Keeva Keenan, Pearl Slattery, Leah Doyle (Eadbha O’Mahony, 74), Alex Kavanagh (Rachel Graham, 86), Hannah Healy (Mia Dodd, 74), Jemma Quinn (Katie McCarn, 60), Roma McLoughlin, Jess Gargan, Lucy O’Rourke (Christie Gray, 60), Maggie Pierce.
Galway United: Jayne Merren, Abby Tuthill, Orlaith Conlon, Della Doherty, Leah McGrath (Rianna Jarrett, 86), Ellen Molloy (Grace Fitzpatrick, 86), Aine Walsh (Kylie Murphy, 45), Meabh Russell, Nicola Sinnott, Aoibheann Clancy, Teegan Lynch (Alyssa White, 54).
Referee: Alan Patchell.
