League Report: Galway United 5 - 0 Cork City

Paul Corcoran reports from Headford

Galway United went two points clear at the top of the Women’s Premier Division with a 5-0 win over Cork City on Saturday evening.

The game was moved to Moyne Villa’s ground in Headford after heavy rain in the west making the Eamonn Deacy Park pitch unplayable.

It was a strong performance for the Tribeswomen coming off the back of a 2-0 victory against the FAI Cup champions Athlone Town last weekend, and it didn’t take long for them to take the lead.

In the third minute captain Lynsey McKey broke away on the right wing before pulling the ball across the box to Jenna Slattery, she struck the ball on the half volley and into the bottom corner.

Galway kept the pressure up and Slattery, Kate Thompson and McKey all had shots on goal as the Rebels desperately tried to deny the home side a second goal.

The second goal arrived in the 26^th minute however, Julie Ann Russell received the ball on the edge of the box and, with her back to goal, somehow shimmied through the defence to go one on one with Clodagh Fitzgerald before firing into the net.

Despite United’s dominance, City did have chances with Aoibhin Donnelly drawing a save off Jessica Berlin after some really good Cork possession in the final third in the 37^th minute.

Just before half-time Colleen Kennedy showed some great pace to get down the win, she drilled a cross into the path of Ellie O’Brien but her shot went inches over the bar.

United were still on top in the second half and there were shots from Slattery and Russell early on, Slattery then drew a diving save from Fitzgerald in the 57^th minute.

On the hour mark, McKey was taken down in the box after a Slattery pass set her in towards goal and referee Declan Toland made no hesitation as he awarded the penalty.

Slattery stepped up and cooly slotted the ball into the bottom corner for her second goal of the evening and her second from the penalty spot this season.

Russell got her second just eight minutes later, Slattery turning provider this time with a lovely high ball into the box finding the midfielder right in front of goal – the experienced Ireland international made no mistake from close range as she found the net.

In the 79th minute Russell completed her hat-trick as Slattery found her with a lovely pass once again, this time she took the ball on and rounded the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the empty net, even from a tight angle.

A first hat-trick for Galway United since they entered the league last year and another clean sheet as they look to build upon their impressive season last year.

There is a break in Women’s Premier Division action as attention switches to the All-Island Cup next weekend. Galway United travel to face Sligo Rovers while Cork City face Wexford.

Galway United Women: Jessica Berlin; Aoibheann Costello (Roisin Jacob 85), Eve Dossen (Lucy-Jayne Grant 73), Jamie Erickson, Therese Kinnevey; Isabella Beletic (Emma Duffy 73), Lynsey McKey (Jodie Griffin 73), Julie-Ann Russell, Jenna Slattery, Kate Thompson; Emily Kavanaugh (Rola Olusola 65).

Subs not used: Maria O'Sullivan, Amy Madden, Heather Loomes, Abbie Callanan.

Booked: Isabella Beletic (10).

Cork City FC Women: Clodagh Fitzgerald; Niamh Cotter, Heidi Mackin, Shaunagh McCarthy (Dorothea Greulich 61), Alix Mendez; Aoibhin Donnelly (Aoife Robinson 65), Eva Mangan, Ellie O'Brien (Laura Shine 65), Orlaith O'Mahony, Kiera Sena; Colleen Kennedy.

Subs not used: Hannah Walsh, Jesse Mendez, Ciara McNamara, Chloe Atkinson, Erin O'Brien, Christina Dring.

Booked: Clodagh Fitzgerald (43), Aoibhin Donnelly (43).

Referee: Declan Toland.

Attendance: 200 (estimate)

extratime.com Player of the Match: Jenna Slattery (Galway United)

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