WNL Report: Cork City Women 1 - 2 Peamount United

The first Continental Tyres Women’s National League game of the season at Bishopstown saw Peamount United maintain their 100% winning run to the season as they edged a close battle with Cork City Women on Saturday evening.

Lucy McCartan’s stunning finish gave Peamount the lead, before City levelled proceedings through a Saoirse Noonan goal.

But the home side were to concede what turned out to be the winner for the away side in the unluckiest of circumstances, as an own goal from Ciara McNamara ended up deciding the outcome.

It was a cruel way to lose it from a Cork perspective, as Frank Kelleher’s side produced a reasonably good display overall and can consider themselves very unlucky to not come away with at least a point.

Cork, especially in the second half, had good spells of possession going forward, but a second goal never materialized itself as they remain fifth in the table.

It was Peamount who took the lead in the 5th minute of the game, as McCartan found the top left hand corner the net with a sensational finish from all of 35 yards out.

City levelled things up in the 50th minute as Noonan, who constantly looked a threat in attack for the hosts throughout, found the back of the net at the second attempt after her initial headed effort came back off of the bar following a great ball into the box from Evelyn Daly.

Not long after, Peamount got what would turn out to be the game’s deciding goal, in what was the cruelest of circumstances from a Cork perspective.

After Peamount put the ball into the box, Meghan Bourque’s attempted clearance came off the back of McNamara and ended up in the back of the net.

City regrouped after that setback and, although they came close on a few occasions to finding another equalizer, in the end they would come up just short.

The home side also had strong appeals for a penalty turned away late on, when they claimed Danielle Sheehy’s cross hit the hand of Peamount defender Louise Corrigan.

For City, attentions will now have to focus on their next outing and a trip to face UCD Waves. If their early performances are anything to go by, they should be competitive and give anyone a game in this division throughout the season.

Peamount host Galway next and they will look to maintain their impressive start to the season and make it four wins from four.

Cork City Women’s FC: Amanda Budden; Danielle Burke, Stacey Paul, Ciara McNamara, Meghan Bourque; Katie McCarthy (Maggie Duncliffe 89), Saoirse Noonan, Lauren Homan, Evelyn Daly, Ciara Desmond (Danielle Sheehy 46); Claire Shine.

Subs Not Used: Angie Carry, Tara O'Gorman, Nathalie O'Brien, Laura Coughlan, Megan Kelleher.

Peamount United: Naoisha McAloon; Lauryn O’Callaghan, Louise Corrigan, Chloe Maloney, Lauren Kealy; Niamh Farrelly, Lucy McCartan; Heather Payne, Clare Kinsella (Vanessa Hullon 89), Jade Reddy (Emma Byrne 48); Eleanor Ryan Doyle.

Subs Not Used: Niamh Barnes, Megan Lynch, Monica McGuirk.

Referee: Sinead Forde.

Attendance: 200 (estimate).

Extratime.ie Player Of The Match: Heather Payne (Peamount United).