For WPD sides, participation in Europe is rare but Peamount's victory against Belarusian outfit Dinamo-BSUPC on Wednesday in the Champions League is exactly the boost the League of Ireland needed.
The Dubliners have embarked on the 'Champions Path' and find themselves in Croatia this week for a four-team that they must win to progress to round two.
Today they met the champions of Belarus, who featured many internationals in their side. James O'Callaghan's team battled through the heat to claim a memorable extra time win.
READ HERE: John O'Shea Shuts Down Declan Rice "What Ifs" Ahead Of England Clash
Outstanding Peamount Progress After Champions League Thriller
YESSSSSSSS!!! 🤩🟢⚫️#UWCL pic.twitter.com/ekvUcL65DT
— Peamount United Women (@PeamountWomen) September 4, 2024
Peamount became the first Irish side to qualify for a European knockout round in 2011 when, under current Irish boss Eileen Gleeson, they reached the last 32. Current Ireland internationals Lousie Quinn and Julie-Ann Russell were part of that history-making side.
The reigning SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division champions got off to a dream start as Ellen Dolan got on the scoresheet in the sixth minute.
Unfortunately they were only able to hold onto the lead until the 33rd minute as the Belarusian champions levelled from a corner.
From then on, the game drifted to extra-time with the 26 degrees heat seemingly taking it's toll on both teams. It was in the 6th minute of extra-time substitute Kerri Letmon coolly slid Peamount into the lead with a fine finish. Peamount held their nerve and went on to close out the game.
They now advance to face hosts Osijek in the Round One final on Saturday after they came through as comfortable 2-0 winners over Slovakian based Myjava.
The winner there will book a two-legged play-off date later this month in the hope of reaching the Champions League group stage for October - something no Irish side has ever achieved.
A huge day awaits Peamount with history on the line for the Dubliners.
READ HERE: Rio Ferdinand Calls Out Jamie Carragher On Twitter For "Disrespectful" Comments
