First half strikes help Peamount surmount Shels
By Daire Walsh
FIRST half goals by Eleanor Ryan-Doyle and Áine O’Gorman were enough to earn defending National League champions Peamount United a 2-1 victory over Shelbourne at PRL Park in Greenogue this evening.
Seeking a third successive League crown in 2021, this was a significant statement of intent from the Newcastle outfit against one of their main title rivals.
A Ciara Grant strike for Shels did lead to some nervous moments in the closing stages, but Peamount held out for a precious win.
Shels had enjoyed a bright start to their campaign with two wins from their opening two games, while Peamount defeated Wexford Youths on the first day of the season.
Ryan-Doyle was the match-winner against Wexford and was joined in attack by Stephanie Roche for this Dublin derby.
Fresh from their friendly international outings with the Republic of Ireland, Claire Walsh and O’Gorman were included in the Peas’ starting line-up.
It was through the latter’s dangerous ball into the area on 25 minutes that the hosts took the lead, with Ryan-Doyle on hand to double her seasonal tally.
She had a glorious opportunity to establish further daylight between the two sides from the penalty spot, but her effort was saved by Shels net-minder Amanda Budden.
Nonetheless, Peamount continued to press and O’Gorman caught Budden off guard to register her side’s second goal in the 38th-minute.
Two goals in front at the interval, Peamount were well on the way to preserving their 100 per cent start to the term.
Despite mounting pressure from Shels, James O’Callaghan’s side held onto their 2-0 cushion heading into the final half-hour of action.
Yet, the visitors had a goal ruled out for offside on 65 minutes before eventually opening their account eight minutes later.
A Donegal native who has represented her county in ladies football in the recent past, Grant finished to the net after Noelle Murray initially tried her luck from distance.
This raised the stakes inside the final-quarter, but Peamount stood firm to claim the bragging rights.