Despite some late drama, Peamount United showed their class to hold on for a 2-1 win against Cork City in Turner’s Cross tonight.

The visitors scored twice in quick succession in the first half and looked to be coasting for victory until a 75^th minute stunner from Lauren Walsh sparked some real life into the game. It was a tense final few minutes, but Peamount emerge victorious.  

The first-half was an extremely one-sided affair, as Peamount dominated possession from the off. Cork seemed happy enough to let the league leaders keep hold of possession, often at times having all 11 players behind the ball.

Peamount set out their stall early on in the game, constantly threatening the Cork box with some testing crosses, primarily from winger Rebecca Watkins, who looked to target Cork City goalkeeper Hannah Walsh. Initially, the crosses came to no avail, but as the half progressed, Peamount upped their quality and posed some real challenges for Walsh.

Jessica Fitzgerald almost opened up the scoring in the 31^st minute as her shot from 40 yards out skimmed the top of the crossbar, much to the relief of Hannah Walsh.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 33^rd minute of the game, as Sadhbh Doyle ran through the heart of the Cork City defence, putting the ball on a plate for striker Kate Mooney, who was not going to miss from 10 yards out. Doyle showed an excellent turn of pace to beat her defender, and targeted her for the remainder of the half.

Just four minutes later, the same duo combined for Peamount’s second goal of the afternoon, this time Doyle’s cross coming from the right-hand side. Her cross put the goalkeeper in an awkward position, as Kate Mooney beat her defender at the near post to chest the ball into the back of the net.

Lauren Singleton and Laura shine did, however, provide some useful outlets for the home-side, with Singleton having the first real chance of the game. Her powerful strike forced a save from Niamh Reid Burke in the Peamount net, who was otherwise left with nothing to do for the rest of the half.

In the second half, Cork City showed great enthusiasm to try and get back into the match. They really made it count in the 75^th minute, as Lauren Walsh scored a wonderful goal from the edge of the box, beating Niamh Reid-Burke in the Peamount net. Walsh struck the ball cleanly, send it flying into the bottom left corner.

In the 88^th minute, Christina Dring looked destined to score a late equaliser, but was denied by a fabulous save from Reid-Burke. The substitutes really made the difference for Cork this evening, making a real impact since their arrival.

However, Peamount showed excellent game management to kill the home-side’s momentum in the dying minutes and were able to see out the victory. Cork can take great pride from their second half performance. There were some strong performances across the board for the home side, but ultimately, the two goals in quick succession cost the team hugely.

Peamount showed their class, and showed why they are top of the league.

The visit of the league leaders was always going to be tough for the home side, as was evident this evening.