Shelbourne kept up the pressure on leaders Peamount Utd with a hard fought win over Athlone Town in Tolka Park this afternoon.

All the goals came in the first half. Noelle Murray put the home side ahead with her fifth goal of the season before Maddison Gibson drew Athlone level. Three minutes from the break Morgan Rees put Shels back in front and they were able to hold on for the win.

Athlone Town had the first chance on goal but Shels keeper Amanda McQuillan was able to come out and gather. In the 10th minute they created another opportunity that whizzed across the face of the Shels goal.

The home side’s first effort on goal came in the 15th minute; Athlone keeper Katie Keane pushed Christie Gray’s volley over the bar. Minutes later they took the lead through Murray who coolly slotted home.

Athlone were back on level terms in the 26th minute through Gibson. In the 34th minute Shels captain Pearl Slattery put in a superb tackle to deny Athlone from taking the lead.

Minutes from the break Shels were back in front; some good play from Noel King’s side ended with Rees blasting the ball to the roof of the net.

In the 55th minute a chance for Athlone had to be deflected out for a corner. Shels sub Kerri Letmon put a great ball into the box but it just alluded the head of another sub, Jemma Quinn.

Down the other end Chloe Singleton blasted the ball over the bar as the visitors tried to get back on level terms. Quinn’s effort just went over the crossbar in the 78th minute. McQuillan made a fine save minutes later to prevent Athlone from equalising.