Alex Kavanagh: 'We want to challenge ourselves and become a better team'

Alex Kavanagh in action for Shelbourne during their 0-0 draw with Shamrock Rovers on Saturday, 13 April 2024.

Alex Kavanagh in action for Shelbourne during their 0-0 draw with Shamrock Rovers on Saturday, 13 April 2024. Credit: Matthew Lysaght (ETPhotos)

Paul Corcoran reports from Tolka Park

The Ringsend Derby was the choice fixture in the Women’s Premier Division on Saturday as Shelborne hosted Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park.

Having won just one of their league games so far this season the Premier Division runners up from last year had hoped to grab another three points to propel themselves into the top end of the table however, they had to settle for a scoreless draw against their Dublin rivals.

The result sees the Reds go six points off the top of the table with Galway United winning 4-0 on Saturday evening to increase their lead, although it’s still early in the season.

Shelbourne midfielder Alex Kavanagh spoke to extratime.com and gave her thoughts on the game.

“It was tough and I think we always now it's going to be a tough game against Rovers. I don't think we came into it as much as we should have, our game plan, sometimes it was kind of different. But at the end of the day, it's still a point and keep going and working on the things that we can.

“I don't think they kind of let us play. And I do think it was a tough game, but I think we kind of matched it. But yeah, I think it was a tough enough game, but we're happy to get the point.

“Obviously, they're a good team and stuff like that. I think we had spells, but I think obviously we could have come into it a little bit more and played our game, but I think we adjusted, and we did what we could.”

Attention now turns to the All-Island Cup with the second round of group games to be played next weekend.

Shelbourne host Cork City in their Group B encounter and Kavanagh will be looking for the three points to put her side firmly in contention to qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition.



“I think we approach every game the same and you know, look, it's tough, another tough game and I think we just always want to improve.

“We always want to be better, and I think every game we want three points. You know, we want to challenge ourselves and become a better team. So yeah, we're good approach going in and hopefully get another few points.”

About Paul Corcoran

Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile