Peamount power past Shelbourne
FIRST-HALF goals from Eleanor Ryan-Doyle and Áine O’Gorman saw Peamount edge out title rivals Shelbourne 2-1 yesterday.
The opening quarter of the game was played at a frenetic pace with both sides sounding each other out in search of the opening goal.
Ciara Grant was involved in the first real chance of the game, whipping a diagonal ball across the box but Emily Whelan was just unable to apply a finishing touch.
Naoise McAloon had to be fully tuned in on 17 minutes when Mia Dodd struck a powerful shot from distance but the ball was always rising before clearing the bar.
Della Doherty then went close on 20 minutes with a glancing header just wide of the post from a corner before the impressive Ryan -Doyle put Peamount in front.
Ireland internationals O’Gorman and Stephanie Roche linked up brilliantly in the intricate build-up before the former sent over a cross and Ryan-Doyle was on hand to fire the ball into the net from close range.
Ryan-Doyle had the chance to double Peamount’s lead from the penalty spot five minutes later but she was denied her second goal of the afternoon with Amanda Budden making a fantastic save to her left.
However, it didn’t take long until O’Gorman, showing great leadership once again, did double her side’s advantage just before the half-time interval. The Peamount captain hit a fantastic volley on the bounce following a goalmouth scramble with her effort flying past Budden.
Shelbourne’s start to the second half was identical to the first with all of the possession and some lovely passages of play in the middle of the pitch but that final pass just could not be found.
Their goal did come on 75 minutes courtesy of sharpshooter Grant.
An initial shot from Whelan was parried back out to Grant who reacted quickest in the box to halve the deficit.
However, that was as good as it got for Shelbourne despite a huge second-half effort to get back on terms.
The reigning champions held out to take maximum points.
In the day’s other games, Bohemians and Cork City played out a thrilling 3-3 draw while DLR Waves saw off Galway 2-1.