Athlone Town's return to domestic action proved fruitful as the reigning SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division champions reclaimed top spot after a 2-0 win at Waterford.
An own goal on 20 minutes had Athlone in front and they were in control at half-time when Aoife Murphy O'Connor doubled the lead three minutes before the interval.
Colin Fortune's side have most recently been occupied by European matters. Last Wednesday in the Dutch city of Enschede, the Midlanders lost 3-1 to Iceland's Breidablik in the Champions League second qualifying round semi-final.
But they ensured that they will be involved in the opening round of qualifying for the inaugural Women's Europa Cup after beating Serbian side Crvena Zvezda 2-0 in the Netherlands.
While a two-legged tie against Glasgow City awaits over the next fortnight, this evening was all about trying to return to the top of the Women's Premier Division table with their game in hand, after title rivals Shelbourne had propelled themselves to the summit on Saturday after thrashing Sligo Rovers 8-0 at Tolka Park.
Waterford, who are in their debut season in the league, meanwhile, started the night second from bottom and were on a run of six defeats in succession since beating current bottom side Cork City on 12 July.
Athlone made five changes to the team that started against Crvena Zvezda four days ago, with Kellie Brennan, Kayleigh Shine, Natalie McNally, Hannah Waesch, Kelly Brady and Roisin Molloy those retained from Saturday.
They took the lead after 20 minutes when Brady sent in a cross from the right that was diverted into her own net by Waterford's Chloe Atkinson.
Another cross, this time from Waesch on the right flank, led to the second goal shortly before half-time as the ball fell for O'Connor in the box and the latter rifled home after taking a controlling touch.
Neither side found the net in the second half as the game petered out with the result lifting Athlone up to 40 points, one ahead of Shels, who they are due to meet in a crucial head-to-head at Tolka Park on 27 September.
But next up for Athlone will be a home game against Shamrock Rovers this Saturday, with Shelbourne visiting Galway United on the same day, while Waterford will be at in-form Peamount United.
Waterford: Maeve Williams; Chloe Atkinson (Danielle Griffin '86), Sophie Moran, Lauren Walsh (Stephanie Dumevi '49), Meadhbh Doherty, Jessica Lawler; Sophie Slattery, Orla Hickey, Issy Walsh (Mia Lenihan '80); Fiana Bradley, Erin O'Brien (Kate Tomkins '86).
Athlone Town: Maria Matthaiou; Kellie Brennan (Ciara O'Neill '45), Natalie McNally, Kayleigh Shine, Sarah Rice; Izzy Groves (Kate Slevin '69), Hannah Waesch (Alexis Strickland '84); Roisin Molloy (Maddison Gibson '69), Aoife O'Connor, Emma Mooney; Kelly Brady (Hazel Donegan '69).
