Peamount United 3 - 2 Cork Women's FC

Peamount United remain top of the Women's National League after defeating Cork Women's FC 3-2 at Greenogue on Sunday afternoon.

Second half goals from Ruth Comerford, Louise Quinn and Stephanie Roche gave the home side a comfortable three goal lead, but despite a Cork fight back with Laura Lynch and Denise O'Sullivan scoring, the Peas took all three points.

From the moment the whistle was blown Peamount made life difficult for Cork, with Sara Lawlor causing all sorts of mayhem in the Cork penalty box, however Rachel Mullins was always there and quick to react to every shot sent her way.

Cork, coming into the game on the back of a 3-1 win over Wexford Youths, were very slow to start but after they defended three corners in a row from Peamount, it was their number 11, Claudia Hudner, who got the Leesiders going.

Just as Cork thought they might be starting to get on top of this game, Peamount’s Sara Lawlor racing through the Cork defense and, despite appeals for offside, it was left to Rachel Mullins to save the day.
 

On 37 minutes it was the turn of Ruth Comerford to test Rachel Mullins who was turning out to be the star of the show. Just before half-time, Cork had another good attempt on goal but Katie McCarthy’s shot ran just wide.
 

Peamount started the second half the same way they started the first, attacking from the minute the whistle was blown. They didn’t have to wait long before their efforts were rewarded with a goal from Ruth Comerford four minutes after the restart.
 

Six minutes later and Peamount doubled their lead, with a goal from the captain Louise Quinn who shot home from close range.
 

The home side continued to press and four minutes later they were again rewarded. Stephanie Roche charged forward and struck a cracking shot from just outside the box, firing the ball in the top right-hand corner of the net.
 

At three nil down, rather than roll over, Cork began to fight back and in the 68th minute Laura Lynch answered the call and pulled one back for the visitors.
 

Cork did manage to pull another goal back, Denise O’Sullivan reducing Peamount's lead to a single goal, but time was to be the enemy for Cork, and the final whistle was blown shortly after.


Peamount travel to Wexford Youths next week whilst Cork welcome Raheny to the CIT in Cork.
 

Peamount United: Linda Meehan; Susan Byrne, Karen Duggan, Stacey McGlone, Grace Murray; Ruth Comerford, Jenny Critchley, Dora Gorman, Louise Quinn; Sara Lawlor, Stephanie Roche;
Subs not Used: Lauren Cavanagh, Emma Donohue, Aine Genockey, Melissa Haughton, Claire Kinsella, Wendy McGlone, Caroline Thorpe 

Cork Women's FC: Rachel Mullins; Amy McCarthy, Emma Farmer, Marie Curtin, Lauren Murphy; Laura Lynch, Claudia Hudner, Susan Donovan, Claire Shine; Katie McCarthy, Denise O'Sullivan;
Subs not Used: Valerie Mulcahy, Lynsey McKey, Orla Barry, Mary Barrett, Sarah O'Donovan, Erica O'Sullivan

Extratime player of the match: Sara Lawlor