League Report: Shelbourne 2 - 0 Sligo Rovers

Paul Corcoran reports from Tolka Park

Shelbourne went top of the Women’s National League table with a 2-0 win over Sligo Rovers at Tolka Park on Saturday afternoon.

At the time of writing the Reds were two points clear although that’s with their title rivals Wexford Youths, Peamount United and Athlone Town all yet to play their games.

Abbie Larkin scored early in the game and the home side should have been well out of sight given the amount of chances they created throughout the game, it took a late goal from Larkin  to secure the vital three points in the title race.

Shels manager Noel King opted for consistency and named an unchanged side for the visit of the Bit O’Red, after his side claimed a 2-1 win over DLR Waves last weekend which kept them just a point behind Wexford Youths.

Sligo manager Steve Feeney had three changes to his side after their 5-2 loss to league leaders Wexford Youths last week. Amy Boyle-Carr, Sarah Kiernan and Aife Haran all came into the starting team in place of Ruth Monaghan, Emma Hansberry and Orna O’Dowd.

The home side were in front just two minutes into this fixture when Jess Gargan stormed up the right wing before drilling a low cross into the box, it was Abbie Larkin who connected with the striker guiding the ball into the net to put Shelbourne top of the WNL table for the time being at least.

The visitors went close in the 18^th minute when Katie Melly eyed up the goal when she stood over a long range free-kick, the midfielder wasn’t too far away with her effort, the ball sailed dep into the box before narrowly going over the crossbar.

A long ball up the field set Murray free one on one with the Sligo goalkeeper, Amy Mahon was quick off her line and managed to deflect the striker’s shot away in the 20^th minute.

Mahon managed to deny Shels again moments later when Megan Smyth-Lynch laid the ball off for Murray the goalkeeper just about got fingertips to her shot, pushing the ball onto the post to deny the home side a second goal.

The Bit O’Red managed to settle into the game despite the early goal and eventually the game managed to calm down – Amy Boyle-Carr managed to create a chance for herself five minutes before half-time when she beat Pearl Slattery on the left, her effort stung the hands of Amanda Budden, but the goalkeeper managed to deflect the ball behind.

Shelbourne should have doubled their lead just before the break when Murray stole the ball from Lauren Boles near the Sligo box, the striker showed some impressive skill to weave her way deep inside the area, but her composure let her down and she blasted the ball over the bar.

The Reds began the second half much the same way with much of the play taking place in Sligo’s half, Murray and Larkin both went close with chances to in the opening ten minutes but the homes side in general were struggling to find the target.

Mahon was called into action again on the hour mark when Murray and Smyth-Lynch combined on the right, Smyth-Lynch toko the ball into the box before firing it on goal but the Sligo shot stopper was able to deny the home side once again.

Keeva Keenan drilled a lovely cross from the right wing in the 70^th minute, she found Smyth-Lynch at the back post and the midfielder struck her shot on the volley, but her effort was struck directly at the goalkeeper and deflected away to safety.

Shels were inches away from doubling their lead again in the 78^th minute when Gargan floated a good cross into the box, Jessis Stapleton nodded the ball down at the back post for Shauna Fox to flick on, but the ball rolled just wide of the post.

They finally got that huge second goal in the 81^st minute when Larkin was played in on goal, Mahon made another good save when one on one with the striker but the Republic of Ireland international was able to follow up on the rebound herself and place the ball into the bottom corner.

Shelbourne have set up an all important final day fixture against Wexford Youths next Saturday – the team they faced on the final day of the 2021 season when they won last year’s WNL title.

Shelbourne FC: Amanda Budden; Leah F Doyle, Shauna Fox, Keeva Keenan (Heather O’Reilly 85), Pearl Slattery; Jessica Gargan, Alex Kavanagh (Rachel Graham 79), Megan Smyth-Lynch (Emma Starr 88), Jessie Stapleton; Abbie Larkin, Noelle Murray (Jemma Quinn 85).

Subs not used: Courtney Maguire, Taylor White, Leah Riley, Lia O'Leary .

Booked: Abbie Larkin (62), Alex Kavanagh (73).

Sligo Rovers WFC: Amy Mahon; Aife Haran, Leah Kelly (Pixie O'Hara 79), Sarah Kiernan, Amy Roddy; Lauren Boles, Amy Boyle-Carr (Amy Hyndman 85), Paula McGrory (Lauren McLellan 88), Gemma McGuinness, Katie Melly (Fiona Doherty 85); Emma Doherty (Aoife Brennan 88).

Subs not used: Anais Coyne, Keela Scanlon, Orna O'Dowd, Ciara Henry.

Booked: None.

Referee: Declan Toland.

extratime.com Player of the Match: Abbie Larkin (Shelbourne)

Vera Pauw World Cup draw reaction: ‘We don’t fear anyone. We will prepare well and be ready’ https://t.co/rrA1hGS3icpic.twitter.com/GTE2ZEgPhU

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