Roche and O’Gorman shine in Peamount victory over Galway

Daire Walsh

Ahead of the heavyweight clash between their closest challengers – Shelbourne and Wexford Youths – later this evening, Peamount United cemented their position at the summit of the Women’s National League table with a comprehensive 3-0 success at the expense of Galway WFC in Eamonn Deacy Park this afternoon.

Thanks to a Stephanie Roche double and a final-quarter strike by Aine O’Gorman, Peamount move three points clear of the chasing pack for the time being.

After previously causing heartbreak for her former club in the colours of Wexford Youths during the 2019 FAI Cup final, Lauren Kelly is now back in harness for Peamount and was making her second debut on the left-wing.

However, it was another player in her second spell at the double champions who got the ball rolling in this game.

Having recently forced her way back into the starting line-up, Roche is slowly rediscovering her very best form.

Following a brace in the 5-0 demolition of Cork City at Turner’s Cross last weekend – which preceded Tuesday night’s hard-fought 2-1 win over DLR Waves – the Republic of Ireland international was ready to hit the ground running in her side’s latest away fixture.

With just nine minutes gone on the clock, she was on hand to sweep home an impressive attacking move from close-range.

This was an ideal start for Peamount against a Galway outfit that have proven to be tricky opponents in the past and O’Gorman was close to doubling their lead from a 24th-minute free-kick.

Tiegan Ruddy and Eleanor Ryan-Doyle also tested the resolve of Galway netminder Hannah Walsh as the half progressed, but the Newcastle outfit were forced to be content with a 1-0 interval advantage.

Nevertheless, it seemed like only a matter of time before the title holders increased their cushion.

They eventually created further daylight just past the hour mark when Roche grabbed her second of the day in typically clinical fashion.

Although this effectively placed the outcome beyond doubt, O’Gorman still had time to claim her 11th league goal of 2021 when getting on the end of a through-ball in the 78th-minute.