Impetus’ Abi Ticehurst rounds up all the action from Week Twenty of the FAI Women’s National League as the top three of the table gets ever tighter.
Above: Cork City celebrate Nathalie O’Brien’s goal against Shelbourne. Photo: Salem Photos.
Cork City 1-3 Shelbourne
Shels will have had one eye on the Peamount United v Wexford Youths game whilst they took on Cork City in this game week 20 fixture. Such is life that Emily Whelan was of course on the scoresheet first for the Shels after an Alex Kavanagh assist. Goals from Noelle Murray and Ciara Grant secured the three points to push the Reds top of the table. Nathalie O’Brien denied Shelbourne a clean sheet with a goal for Cork.
Wexford Youths 1-1 Peamount United
The most exciting clash of the weekend and Wexford proved it’s not a two horse title race. Alannah McEvoy gave the visitors the lead after a scramble in the box saw the ball roll across the line, but they found it difficult to establish any real rhythm, potentially due to game intensity having played in the Champions League. Aoibheann Clancy levelled the field when she scored the equaliser as she converted a penalty just before half time. Just six points separates the two top three at this point in the season. Peamount are now two points adrift of leaders Shelbourne in second place, but still hold a game in hand.
Athlone Town 2-1 Treaty United
Arguably, Athlone’s best game of the season which jumped them two places in the table. Emily Corbet was on target as she struck a convincing penalty to put Athlone one up, however Gillian Keenan was able to put Treaty back in the game as she equalised for the visitors. An evenly matched fixture throughout, but Town were able to nab all three points as O’Haodha fizzed one in from close range to make it two.
Galway WFC 0-0 Bohemians
A game for the keepers in this encounter, neither side pressed too hard, which is reflected in the score line. Leah Hayes Cohen and Courtney Maguire were both able to collect shots comfortably to deny either side a chance to take all three points. Both sides will likely be happy to maintain their mid table spots as a result.
In other news
Ground-breaking news as the FAI confirm an equal pay deal has been struck with both the Women’s & Men’s squads ahead of their World Cup qualifiers. They will receive the same match fees on international duty. A reminder that the women are currently ranked 33rd in the world, whilst the men sit in 47th.
Republic of Ireland announced a home friendly against Olympic semi-finalists Australia on Wednesday 22nd September at Tallaght Stadium, Dublin.
A league break will take place next week as the EVOKE.ie FAI Women’s Senior Cup Quarter-Finals take place for the squads.
Peamount United exited the Champions League having been defeated 5-2 by, professional team and 10 times league winners, Spartak Subotica of Serbia.
It was confirmed midweek that Shelbourne midfielder Jamie Finn has made the transfer to Women’s Super League side, Birmingham City.
| Position | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD +/- | Pts |
| 1 | Shelbourne | 18 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 50 | 14 | +36 | 46 |
| 2 | Peamount United | 17 | 14 | 2 | 1 | 49 | 12 | +37 | 44 |
| 3 | Wexford Youths | 17 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 42 | 12 | +30 | 40 |
| 4 | DLR Waves | 16 | 9 | 2 | 5 | 27 | 16 | +11 | 29 |
| 5 | Galway | 18 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 28 | 38 | -10 | 19 |
| 6 | Bohemians | 18 | 4 | 3 | 11 | 26 | 36 | -10 | 15 |
| 7 | Athlone Town | 18 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 21 | 46 | -25 | 11 |
| 8 | Cork City | 18 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 20 | 46 | -26 | 10 |
| 9 | Treaty United | 18 | 2 | 3 | 13 | 25 | 68 | -43 | 9 |
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