Series 5 saw bottom take on top spot as Treaty faced off Peamount United and Wexford Youth’s trashing of Galway saw them shoot into second place. Shelbourne were victorious over the weekend too as they emerged from the Dublin derby 2-1 to the good and Athlone Vs Cork City finished up in gridlock, leaving the league table in an interesting position heading into round 6.
AS IT STANDS ⬇️
Peamount retain the top spot as their winning streak continues#WNL pic.twitter.com/wwH0tf3yi3— Women's National League (@FAI_WNL) May 2, 2021
Athlone Town 2-2 Cork City
Athlone earned their second draw of the season in this home battle against Cork City on Saturday.
An early headed goal from Becky Cassin in the opening stages left Tommy Hewitt’s ladies scrambling from the get-go and they were unlucky not to convert quite a few chances but eventually took their opportunity in the form of an Emma Donohoe penalty to make it 1-1 on the stroke of halftime.
61 minutes in Christina Ding saw to it that Cork went on top again as she put away a tidy finish to the left of keeper Abbiegayle Ronayle, but just as it looked that the Leesiders were to go away with all three points Athlone rallied as Melissa O’Kane hit the ball in the net from close range after a slip up from Abby McCarthy.
O’Kane’s impression on the game was not limited to the scoresheet as she put on a superb showcase throughout and would have no doubt dazzled all who watched the game and were in attendance, including republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw.
Great impression again of the talent in the #WNL . Thanks for the hospitality and warm welcome at both games!!! https://t.co/xScxCxdihC
— Vera Pauw (@verapauw) May 1, 2021
Shelbourne 2-1 DLR Waves
A tight contest between Shelbourne and DLR Waves was characterized best by a potential goal of the season contender from Carla McManus.
Although it was to prove futile upon the final whistle as goals from Emily Whelan and Noelle Murray secured the win for Shels, Graham Kelly's side can be proud of their efforts in this first defeat of the campaign and will be full of confidence going into their next fixture Vs The Peas.
Speaking after the game McManus said she was “delighted with the goal.”
“When I was coming on the coaches were saying to turn and shoot when I could, so when the ball came to me I just turned and hit it. It’s a real boost to come back and score after I done my ankle in the first game of the season.”
⚽ GOAL OF THE SEASON CONTENDER | @Carlamcmanus5
Carla McManus found the back of the net from 35-yards out in this afternoon's game versus Shelbourne ?@shelsfc 2-1 @DLRWaves #WNL | #LOITV pic.twitter.com/FWvij4FHsi— Women's National League (@FAI_WNL) May 1, 2021
Treaty United 0-3 Peamount United
League Leaders Peamount United remain undefeated this year as they put three past a determined Treaty at the weekend.
Keeping the girls in green contained until well into the second half Treaty would have been disappointed to concede the cracking opening goal that originated in a short corner and concluded with a long range strike from Sadhbh Doyle.
Áine O'Gorman and Eleanor Ryan-Doyle further cemented The Champions position and while Jemma Slattery came close for the home side it wasn’t to be for Niall Connolly’s team who have plenty of positives to come away with into their next match vs Shelbourne on Sunday.
⚽ GOAL | Sadhbh Doyle
Peamount break the deadlock with a corner routine from straight off the training ground!@TreatyUnitedFC 0-1 @peamountutd pic.twitter.com/ItnjuUmGCn— Women's National League (@FAI_WNL) May 2, 2021
Wexford Youths 5-0 Galway WFC
Wexford conquered Galway this round and after a slow start converted a quintuple of goals.
A Shauna Fox OG in the 38th minute opened the floodgates before The Youths went to town and Lynn-Marie Grant, Sinead Taylor, Ellen Molloy and Aisling Frawley all put the ball passed the Galway netkeeper.
Molloy’s goal in particular was a major talking point as the teenager landed a one two before cracking the ball towards goal from distance and reaffirming thoughts that she is among one of the best players in the WNL.
A red card for Therese Kinnevey surrendered further what was already definite that Wexford outright dominated Galway in this affair.
⚽️ GOAL | @ellenmolloy7 @YouthsWomen 4-0 @GalwayWFC
Oh no, she's done it again! Another wonder goal from the Wexford ace ?#WNL | #LOITV pic.twitter.com/LJwFsd4JvE— Women's National League (@FAI_WNL) May 1, 2021
Next week’s fixtures get underway on Saturday at 2pm as Wexford go away to Cork and is sure to be yet another series of drama and entertaining football matches.
Your week ahead...
4️⃣ big games in Series 6#WNL | #LOITV pic.twitter.com/OiawuhvzOV— Women's National League (@FAI_WNL) May 3, 2021