Bohemians' incredible nine-game unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt against an impressive Peamount side who had the immense Ellen Dolan to thank for a come-from-behind win.
The All-Island Cup finalists had gotten in front thanks to a well-taken finish from teen sensation Aoibhe Brennan, but the Peas had a teenage star of their own to thank for their first win since May 17.
The visitors, narrowly beaten at home to Athlone Town in a bruising battle in the FAI Cup despite being the better team for large spells, but started brightly despite being shorn the services of the suspended Mary Philips.
Jess Fitzgerald smashed a 25-yard effort that sailed just over the bar signalling their intent with a couple of minutes played.
The hosts began to play their way into the breathless encounter as Hannah Healy became more influential, starting one excellent move down the right that saw Sarah McKevitt whip in a dangerous low cross that was cleared at the pivotal moment by Peas skipper Karen Duggan.
A fascinating midfield battle was developing between fellow Irish Under-19 Internationals Brennan and Fitzgerald who wrestled for control in the engine room.
There was huge controversy midway through the first half when Dolan bust into the box following some pinball in the area and looked to be caught either side by Lisa Murphy and Katie Lovely, but referee Mark Moynihan waved away the protests.
The visitors began to edge the war of attrition and finished the half the stronger. Both Sadhbh Doyle and Dearbhaile Beirne had strikes from distance that narrowly missed the target before a royal rumble-style scramble in the area led to claims from the Peas that the ball crossed the line.
Despite being second best for large parts, it was the hosts who broke the deadlock a minute before the break with a clinically incisive move.
Brennan was quick to intercept Beirne’s pass into the middle, before playing a perfectly weighted one-two with McKevitt on the right. The silky midfielder continued her run into the box, showing great strength to hold off the pressure from Doyle, and finished expertly into the near post with her left foot.
The hosts came flying out for the second half, going close to doubling their lead just after the restart with two chances in quick succession. Firstly, Lovely forced Amanda Budden into a brave stop from point blank range before showing cat-like reflexes to deny Alannah McEvoy at the near post.
Having been denied a penalty in the first half the Peas were given a chance to equalise fro the spot moments later when Fiona Donnelly was adjudged to handle the ball from a blocked cross that spun up awkwardly.
Player of the match Dolan took responsibility but saw her penalty saved low to her left by Rachael Kelly.
The 19-year old showed huge character to shake off the miss and not only equalise but put her side ahead with two excellent goals in five minutes.
Firstly, the 2024 Young Player of the Year rose highest in the area to glance home Fitzgerald's deep free-kick from the right before picking up the ball deep and rampaging towards the edge of the area and unleashing an unstoppable right-footed effort that flew into the net to flip the game on its head.
The hosts looked to the bench for some fresh legs to bring a fresh impact into the attack.
Savannah Kane showed tremendous pace to go down the right before being halted by Duggan who stood up big. From the resulting corner a whole host of red and black shirts had attempted to bundle the ball over the line but the green wall stood big.
The home side, roared on by an impressive 468 supporters on a chilly Tuesday, tried desperately to build a head of steam but the experience of Peamount told as they took the sting out of any attack.
Bohemians: Rachael Kelly; Sarah Power, Lisa Murphy, Roisin McGovern, Katie Lovely (Savannah Kane, 68’) ; Fiona Donnelly, Aoibhe Brennan; Leiagh Glennon, Hannah Healy, Sarah McKevitt (Hanna O’Brien, 57’); Alannah McEvoy (Robin Baird, 68’)
Subs not used: Jenna Willoughby, Abby Rooney, Simone Reilly, Lillian Rusher, Shona Farrelly,, Michelle Muddiman
Peamount United: Amanda Budden; Lauryn O’Callaghan (Chloe Moloney, 82’), Abbie Tuthill, Karen Duggan, Dearbhaile Beirne; Aisling Spillane, Jess Fitzgerald, Sadhbh Doyle (Ruby Gallagher, 90+3), Sorcha Melia; Ellen Dolan, Antea Guvo (Karla Moore, 89’)
Subs not used: Amy Mahon, Eleanor Ryan-Doyle, Mia McGonnell, Toni Ceno, Neala Byrne, Ruby Gallagher
Referee: Mark Moynihan
