Peamount overcome DLR Waves in Greenogue thriller

Peamount United survived a spirited second half fightback from DLR Waves at PRL Park in Greenogue this afternoon to record a 3-2 win in an entertaining Women’s National League clash.

Three points to the good at the midway stage in the action, the Newcastle side were rocked by the concession of two goals in the second period. However, they managed to hold firm in a tense finale to consolidate their position at the summit of the table.

Following three comprehensive successes to date in the WNL, Peamount were expecting a stern challenge in their first Dublin derby of 2022.

That said, the home team were always likely to tackle this challenge head on and it took them just nine minutes to break the deadlock.

There was an element of good fortune to their opener, but Tiegan Ruddy’s strike ultimately deflected off an opposition player and drifted into the net.

Aine O’Gorman scoring the 3rd goal for Peamount

Having enjoyed strong starts to their previous encounters, James O’Callaghan’s charges were eager to push forward for the remainder of the half.

Indeed, it took them just two minutes to extend their advantage as Lauren Kelly (in her second spell at the club) fired home in confident style.

The rampant hosts went close through Karen Duggan and Kelly, before eventually registering their third goal on 34 minutes. Republic of Ireland centurion Aine O’Gorman has hit the ground running in the early weeks of the new campaign and added her latest of the campaign in typically assured fashion.

3-0 in front at the break, Peamount looked set for another convincing victory in their quest to regain the league title.

However, DLR Waves weren’t prepared to go down without a fight and forced their way back into the reckoning on the restart.

Sarah Mckevitt chases Erin McLoughlin of Peamount

Just shy of the hour mark, a long-distance effort from Mia Dodd deceived Peas netminder Niamh Reid-Burke and the UCD-based outfit were suddenly back into contention.

Buoyed by this goal, Waves subsequently added a second through Oleta Griffin to set-up a tantalising conclusion to the contest.

Peamount did their utmost to kill the momentum of their opponents with former Waves player Dora Gorman – amongst others – being introduced off the bench.

DLR pressed for an equaliser, but thanks to the hard work of some experienced figures, the Peas held out for a potentially vital three points.