Brierley brace helps sink Treaty United

An Avril Brierley brace helps DLR Waves edge out a dogged Treaty United on a scoreline of 4-0 in Markets Field in Limerick on Saturday Evening.

The opening half saw the majority of the better chances going to the home team. Most landed at the feet of Aislinn Meaney who had a couple in quick succession, but it was the South Dublin Side who took the lead just before half time through Avril Brierley.

The second half was a lot more sloppy than the first. Waves had a couple of early chances to extend their lead but both went wide. DLR Waves extended their lead on 67 through Brierley who got her second of the game with a great finish.

Carla McManus added a third on 78 pouncing on Treaty keeper Fennelly whos error allowed McManus to finish into an empty net.

Substitute Carla Dodd scored from the bench to give DLR a 4-0 lead late in the game with an effort from range after another poor Treaty clearance, giving the South Dublin side all three points in Limerick.

The game got off to a slow start with Treaty being the better of the sides in the opening minutes. The home side picked up an early corner after a through ball down the channel was cleared by the Waves defense. The resulting corner was easily dealt with but Treaty were showing that they carried momentum from their well-earned point last weekend. 

Katie Malone played a high looping cross into the Limerick sides box during which Trish Fennelly the home side goalkeeper was caught in the air trying to catch the ball leading to a lengthy stoppage for treatment, this took up the majority of the opening 10 minutes. 

The Shannonsiders had the first real chance through Amy Madden who’s 25-yard free-kick was sent over the wall and just above the left upright. It had Eve Badana scrambling to get across her net. 

This spell kicked the Waves into gear who would dominate the next 15 minutes. Rachel Doyle came close with a half volley that fell to her off a deflected cross, the best of their chances a quarter of the way through the match. 

Aislinn Meaney gets the home side’s first shot on target as she latches onto a through ball and with some great dribbling opens up the space for a shot at goal from 20 yards which is well held. Treaty have opted for the long ball down the channel a number of times in the opening half. 

The best chance of the game fell to Meaney who hit the top of the bar from close range after sloppy play from the Waves’ defence allowed Treaty to turn the ball over and get it into the box. 

DLR Waves looked to regain momentum quickly and followed up the Treaty chances with a number of corners ultimately leading to little opportunities to get the opening goal of the game for the South Dublin side. 

The home side had another great opportunity to take the lead as Cara Griffin pounced on more sloppy Waves defending to overturn possession and get a snapshot on net but Badana in the Waves goal was quick off her line and smothered the attempt. 

It would be the away side who would open up the scoring in this game just before halftime through Avril Brearley who finished nicely over Treaty keeper Fennelly rushing out of her net to close the angle. 

DLR Waves took the narrow advantage into the break in a half that could’ve gone either way. The home side would be disappointed they did not capitalize on major opportunities of their own. Half-time score Treaty United 0-1 DLR Waves.

The away side carried the momentum into the second half. Malone and Brierley had two attempts at goal go just past the far post in the opening minutes of the half. Both decent opportunities to extend their lead. 

Avril Brierley doubled the lead for the away side after 67 minutes after a bouncing ball fell her way at the edge of the box. Brierley lifted the ball across to the far post lobbing Fennelly in the Treaty net. A very well taken goal.  

DLR Waves extended their lead further in the 76th minute through substitute Carla McManus who pounced on a goalkeeping error to slide the ball into an empty net to give her team a 3-0 lead. 

Substitute Carla Dodd added a fourth for Waves late on with a fantastic effort from range, again though resulting from poor defending from the home side. A brilliant strike nonetheless.  That would be how it would finish as all three points go back to the capital as DLR Waves win out on a scoreline of four goals to nil. 

Treaty travel to Cork next weekend whilst DLR Waves are hosting Bohemians. Both games taking place next Saturday.