League Report: Shamrock Rovers 0 - 1 Peamount United

Luke Jordan reports from Tallaght Stadium 

Peamount moved six points clear at the top of the Women’s Premier Division after defeating title challengers Shamrock Rovers in a tense affair.

Sadhbh Doyle’s late goal was the difference between the two sides on the day. 

A record attendance for the league was in attendance at Tallaght Stadium with 1,464 spectators cheering on both sides.

Shamrock Rovers made one alteration to their starting eleven from the previous game with Collie O’Neill starting Jamie Thompson up front, with Abby Tuthill dropping to the bench.

Stephanie Zambra who came into the game an injury doubt was passed fit enough for a spot on the bench.

The league leaders made a double change from their previous outing against Athlone Town with Niamh Burke Reid and Jetta Berrill coming into the side ahead Niamh Coombes and Ellen Dolan who both dropped out of the match day squad.

Rovers started the game with real intent, moving the ball slickly across the wet surface showing why they are challenging the Peas in their season back in the Women’s Premier Division.

However, O’Callaghan’s charges didn’t panic and as they first half wore on, they began to get a grip of the game, and controlling the tempo. Karen Duggan’s passing and Sadhbh Doyle’s runs off the ball were causing problems for the Rovers back four.

It was one of these Doyle runs that brought the first opportunity of the game when her cross from the right-hand side was met by Becky Watkins, but her header was easily saved by Amanda Budden.

The Peas were forced into an early change when Watkins went down with an injury after a clash in the middle of the pitch. Despite her best efforts to continue, she was withdrawn and replaced by Avril Brierly.  

Rovers started the second half brightly like the first, looking to get that that elusive goal. Skipper Aine O’Gorman went down the by-line and put in a deep cross, but Reid Burke came out and claimed it.  

Irish international Tara O’Hanlon showed her class, giving Rovers a tough time down their right-hand side. Both Jessica Gargan and O’Gorman received yellow cards for tough tackles on the young full back.

Shamrock Rovers must of thought they had should 74^th minute, after Jessica Hennessey who was excellent throughout, picks out right back Gargan in space, and whipped a briilaint ball into the box but somehow striker Thompson guided her header over the top from close range. A huge let off for Peas.

Rovers were made pay for that miss as minutes a breaking ball from a long ball fell to Erin McLaughlin who slipped in Doyle, and midfielder in front of goal was as cool as you like, as she slotted the ball over Budden into the net and made it 1-0 to the visitors.

Rovers pushed for a late equaliser, but it never looked like coming. Brierley had a chance to put the icing on the cake late on when she went through on goal, but Budden did enough to quell the effort to keep the score to one.

A big win for Peamount who go now six points clear of their title challengers. Rovers will be left reflecting on that Thompson miss when it was 0-0, what a pivotal moment that could be in the title race when it resumes again in August.

Shamrock Rovers: Amanda Budden; Jessica Gargan, Jessica Hennessy, Savannah McCarthy, Lia O'Leary; Aoife Kelly, Abbie Larkin, Alannah McEvoy (Lauren Kelly 78), Aine O'Gorman, Melissa O'Kane; Jaime Thompson.

Subs not used: Summer Lawless, Aoibhe Fleming, Chloe McCarthy, Hannah Martin, Lauryn McCabe, Orlaith O'Mahony, Alannah Prizeman, Stephanie Zambra. 

Booked: Jessica Gargan (56), Aine O'Gorman (62), Jaime Thompson (90). 

Peamount United: Niamh Reid Burke; Jetta Berrill, Chloe Moloney, Lauryn O'Callaghan , Tara O'Hanlon; Sadhbh Doyle (Freya Healy 90), Karen Duggan, Jessica Fitzgerald, Erin McLaughlin, Becky Watkins (Avril Brierley 26); Kate Mooney.

Subs not used: Niamh Richardson, Dearbhaile Beirne, Sarah Power, Shannon Thomas, Rachel McGrath, Orlagh Fitzpatrick, Louise Masterson. 

Referee: Jason Moore

Attendance: 1464

extratime.com Player of the Match:Sadhbh Doyle (Peamount United)