A brace for Abbie Larkin saw Shelbourne return to the summit of the Women’s National League, but that could change in the next few hours.

When Abbie Larkin put Shels ahead after just three minutes the signs looked ominous for Sligo but despite dominating possession in the opening half Noel King’s side couldn’t add to that goal.

Shelbourne squandered chances in the second half but got a second in the 81st minute through Larkin. It’s all down to other results today and we could have a title showdown in Ferrycarrig Park next Saturday.

Rovers keeper Amy Mahon was by far the busier of the two keepers in the first half but  she wasn’t made to work too hard over the course of the 45 minutes.

Just three minutes had gone on the clock when Shels opened the scoring; a cross from Jess Gargan was finished to the net by Larkin. Shels went on to press for another but failed to create too many clear cut chances.

Sligo tried to threaten on the break but Shels keeper Amanda Bludden had very little to do in the first 45 minutes. As half-time approached Shels created two good chances through Noelle Murray.

In the 41st minute Murray brought a good save out of Mahon and then three minutes later she did well to beat a number of players before taking a shot but it went over the crossbar.

A good cross into the box in the 49th minute from Keeva Keenan met the head of Larkin but she directed it over. Amy Boyle-Carr picked up the ball and had a chance in the 56th minute but it went well over the bar. In the 62nd minute Mahon got down to stop Megan Lynch’s effort. 

Minutes later Lynch should’ve done better with her effort as Mahon had an easy job of saving it. Shauna Fox came so close to getting a second for Shels in the 78th minute but three minutes later they finally got that second goal. Mahon made a great save to deny Larkin but the rebound fell nicely to the striker and she made no mistake.