Before the teams of the Women’s Premier Division (WPD) embark on another chapter in the All-Island Cup, each side had to contend with their biggest league competition so far last weekend.
Shelbourne Beat Contenders Galway to Stay On Top
Perhaps the most significant fixture of the weekend was Shelbourne’s home game against Galway United, which the Reds won 1-0. This was because over the course of the season, Galway and Shels had competed for first place on the league table.
To add to this, Shelbourne had recently overtaken Galway to stay at the top spot of the league with an impressive winning streak of now six games.
While no point was scored by either team in the first half of the match, the opening minutes of the second half saw Roma McLaughlin capitalise off a cross by Christie Gray, booting the ball into the Galway net. This would be the sole goal of the afternoon and sealed Shelbourne’s place as number one in the league.
𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 Saturdays in the Ballybough End ✊🏻#DublinsFinest | #Since1895 pic.twitter.com/k1kD5A2FeO
— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) June 15, 2024
Erin McLaughlin - A Peamount Legend
Despite Peamount drawing Bohemians 2-2, Ireland international and Peamount player Erin McLaughin proved her ability on the pitch as she scored an early lead goal, following up on a wide cross just thirty seconds into the game.
Bohs managed to equalise when Sarah McKevitt remarkably crossed the ball all the way into the corner of the net. Bohemians went on to secure a second point as Alannah McEvoy took advantage of a rebound off of the Peamount defense.
But Peamount would not back down. Indeed, McLaughlin continued to impress by providing an assist to the final goal of the afternoon which was scored by Karen Duggan.
New week, new challenge! 👀🟢⚫️ pic.twitter.com/G8BVmeFyrx
— Peamount United Women (@PeamountWomen) June 18, 2024
Rovers Luck Continues
After losing a handful of matches, Shamrock Rovers have got a two game winning streak after beating Bohemians 4-0 on June 8th and most recently claiming a 4-1 victory over Sligo Rovers.
Unexpectedly, Sligo started off the match in the lead after a goal by Jodie Loughrey who headed the ball into the net following a corner kick. Unfortunately, this trajectory on their home ground would not last as the final minutes of the first half would see a Rovers goal.
⚽️ Ralph 45'
⚽️ O'Gorman 52'
⚽️ Own Goal 58'
⚽️ Ralph 81'
All our goals from last night's win in the West 👇 pic.twitter.com/xGzemv52vW— Shamrock Rovers Women (@RoversWomen) June 16, 2024
The visitors' luck would persist in the second half of the game after an assist by Lia O’Leary allowed Rovers captain Aine O’Gorman to score. Sligo would also score an own goal making Rovers stay firmly ahead of their opponents. The last goal of the day was scored by Joy Ralph, giving Rovers a much needed win.
