League Report: Shelbourne 4 - 0 Treaty United

Paul Corcoran reports from Tolka Park

Shelbourne returned to winning ways with a first victory in four games when they ran out 4-0 winners over Treaty United at Tolka Park on Saturday afternoon.

First half goals from Alex Kavanagh, Emma Starr and Jemma Quinn and a second half goal from Megan Smyth-Lynch were enough to give the Reds the three points and a win before they face into Champions League action this coming week.

Noel King opted for just the one change from their FAI Cup win over Peamount United last weekend with Amanda Budden dropping to the bench and Courtney Maguire coming in to make her first start for the Reds.

It had been two weeks since Treaty were last in action as they had no cup game last weekend, Don O’Riordan opted for five changes from their previous league game against Wexford Youths with Emma Deegan, Shannon Parbat, Shannon O’Donovan, Nessa Markham and Naoise Griffin all starting in place of Alannah Mitchell, Esra Kangal, Amy Madden, Kelsey Wing and Laoise Browne.

It took just five minutes for the hosts to take the lead in this contest – referee Alan Carey blew his whistle when Heather O’Reilly was fouled on the edge of the box in a dangerous position and Alex Kavanagh dispatched the free-kick into the top corner leaving Michaela Mitchell no chance to save.

Emma Starr doubled the lead just three minutes later when she managed to go unnoticed in the Treaty box and strike a low cross first time into the bottom right corner for her first goal for the Reds since she signed in July.

The Reds added a third in the 12^th minute when a long-headed clearance by Keeva Keenan allowed Jemma Quinn escape the Treaty United defence, the forward spotted Mitchell off her line and fired the ball into the net.

Shels should have added a fourth two minutes later when Rachel Graham found Shauna Fox all alone inside the box, the defender placed her header well, but Mitchell pulled off an excellent diving header to deny the home side.

Mitchell denied the home side again just before half-time, Starr played a ball into Quinn, who had her back to the goal – she had the confidence to try and flick the ball backward given her proximity to the goal, but the Treaty shot stopper reacted quickly.

It took ten minutes from the re-start for the first clear cut chance of the second half, Starr and Quinn linked up well ion the final third before Starr played a ball over the top to Noelle Murray, the striker settled herself in front of goal but her shot skipped over the bar.

The Reds had a shout for a penalty in the 67^th minute when it looked like Jess Gargan may have been pushed over inside the box, referee Alan Carey took a long look at it but waved the calls away.

Half-time substitute Taylor White went close just moments later when Emma Starr linked up well with Aoife Kelly inside the box, White’s effort went narrowly over the bar, however.

Second half substitute Megan Smyth-Lynch drew a save from Mitchell ten minutes from time after a great run by Keeva Keenan on the left flank, the shot was too close to the goalkeeper though and it was ultimately an easy save for United’s netminder.

That elusive fourth goal eventually came in the 84^th minute, the Treaty defence failed to clear the ball in the box with Smyth-Lynch on hand to lay claim to it, the midfielder had her back to goal, but she managed to turn and rattle the right corner of the net to rubber stamp the victory for the Reds.

Next up for Noel King’s side is their Champions League meeting with Slovenian Champions Pommurje on Thursday.

Shelbourne FC: Courtney Maguire; Shauna Fox, Jessica Gargan, Pearl Slattery; Rachel Graham (Aoife Kelly, 56), Alex Kavanagh (Izzy Glennon. 73), Keeva Keenan, Heather O’Reilly (Taylor White, HT), Emma Starr; Noelle Murray (Megan Smyth-Lynch, 56), Jemma Quinn (Abbie Larkin, 56).

Subs not used: Amanda Budden, Leah F Doyle, Lia O'Leary.

Booked: Megan Smyth-Lynch (87).

Treaty United WFC: Michaela Mitchell; Emma Deegan, Nessa Markham, Shannon Parbat (Niamh O'Byrne, 39), Kaiesha Tobin; Jesse Mendez, Alix Mendez (Grace McInerney, 71); Naoise Griffin, Cara Griffin, Shannon O'Donovan, Emily O'Halloran.

Subs not used: Trish Fennelly, Esra Kangal.

Booked: None.

Referee: Alan Carey.

Attendance: 250 (estimate)

extratime.com Player of the Match: Emma Starr (Shelbourne)