Peamount rock Shels to stay top of the table
By Alex Barrett
PEAMOUNT United continued their unbeaten run in the Só Hotels Women’s National League, after goals from former Ireland internationals Karren Duggan and Captain Aine O’Gorman secured a 2-0 victory over Dublin rivals Shelbourne at home in PRL Park in Greenogue on Saturday.
The win makes it five from five for the Newcastle side and keeps them at the top of the table.
Shelbourne set the pace early on, aggressively pushing forward, but they ultimately could not find the net as the hosts began to take control
Peamount skipper Aine O’Gorman began testing Shelbourne goalkeeper Amanda McQuillan early on with a powerful shot that was saved eight minutes in after a smooth lay-off from Amber Barrett.
Another through ball from Barrett, this time to Megan Smyth-Lynch, was sent wide of the target.
Standout defender and former captain Louise Corrigan put a stop to a dangerous Shelbourne counterattack in the 27th minute before Peamount’s Claire Walsh dropped the ball into a dangerous spot from a free kick only to see it cleared by McQuillan.
But the Peas would not be denied as another slick assist from Barrett set up Captain O’Gorman for a brilliant goal, that saw her lob the ball over the reach of McQuillan from 16 yards with 33 minutes gone.
A defensive error forced Peamount goalkeeper Naoise McAloon to clear the ball straight to the feet of Emily Whelan, but she failed to punish.
Whelan caused trouble for the home team again after crossing the ball to winger Jessica Ziu who put a bit too much air under her effort as the ball sailed over the crossbar.
The visitors refused to break and went close to equalising in the 42nd minute following a free kick from Alex Kavanagh, but Peamount’s Walsh managed to clear the danger.
Shelbourne started the second half strong but Peamount’s attacking pressure again proved to be too much.
Shelbourne keeper McQuillan made a phenomenal save, diving to push Smyth-Lynch’s 30-yard volley around the post by mere fingertips.
But Peamount made the most of the resulting corner, when Smyth-Lynch’s delivery was met with a downward header by Karen Duggan, securing the decisive second goal for the homeside in the 61st minute
Shelbourne blew a perfect opportunity to get back in the game in the 75th minute, with Whelan setting up substitute Rebecca Cooke, but her attempt failed to trouble goalkeeper McAloon.
Amber Barrett came close to scoring twice in quick succession, but was denied on both counts by impressive saves by McQuillan.
Shelbourne continued to attack until the final whistle, with some skilful passing from Alex Kavanagh, Jess Gargan, and Kate Mooney, but ultimately Mooney’s shot also travelled over the crossbar in the only minute of added time.
Peamount now lead the Só Hotels Women’s National League on goal difference with a game in hand over Wexford Youth’s who, themselves, beat Kilkenny United 2-0.
Peamount will next face DLR Waves away from home on May 11.
Peamount United: N. McAloon; L. O’Callaghan, L. Corrigan, C. Walsh, D. Beirne N. Farrelly, K. Duggan, A. O’Gorman, E. Ryan Doyle, M. Smyth-Lynch (L. Masterson, 77); A. Barrett.
Shelbourne: A. McQuillan; J. Gargan, P. Slattery, J. Finn, K. Mooney, A. McEvoy, R. Graham, A. Kavanagh, K. Ziu, R. Creagh (R. Cooke, 59), E. Whelan
Referee: Orla Devaney
