Goals in each half from Abbie Larkin and Jessica Stapleton saw Shelbourne earn a hard fought win over Galway in Tolka Park on Saturday evening.
Shelbourne took the lead in the sixth minute with their first attack; Leah Doyle’s cross from the left was slotted home by Larkin.
It was all Galway after that as they tried to get into the game but were made rue a number of missed chances. Shels sealed the win in the 74th minute when Jessica Stapleton got onto the end of Larkin’s pass and she hit a powerful shot past Leah Hayes Coen.
With leaders Peamount and second place Wexford Youths recording victories in their respective games Shelbourne knew they needed a win to keep up the pressure on the top two.
It was tough on Galway who created several chances throughout but were made rue missed opportunities while Shelbourne keeper Amanda Budden thwarted them on a number of occasions.
With just six minutes gone on the clock Shelbourne took the lead through Larkin. After that it was all Galway as they tried to get back into the game. Emma Starr shot over in the 25th minute and five minutes later Chloe Singleton hit a poor effort after a superb crossfield ball from Lynsey McKey.
Minutes later Shels keeper Budden did well to deny Abbie Callanan. Galway continued to pile on the pressure but to no avail. In the 43rd minute Galway keeper Leah Hayes Coen was quick out of her goal to clear the ball after Saoire Noonan was put through.
At the start of the second half Galway keeper Hayes Coen was called into action, pulling off a superb save to deny Larkin.
Down the other end Galway had half chances but weren’t able to find a way past Shels netminder Budden. Their end product let them down on several occasions. Shels doubled their advantage in the 74th minute when Larkin turned provider and Jessica Stapleton made no mistake.
That goal settled Shels and they passed the ball around well and with ease. Galway’s only chance in the final quarter was a shot from distance from Emma Starr but it was right at Budden and she was able to save.
Deniese O'Flaherty
Deniese is a freelance sports journalist/broadcaster. She has worked for several local and national media outlets. GAA and soccer are her great loves and she also follows rugby league and snooker. She's a big supporter of her local clubs St. Mary's GAA Granard and Longford Town. She also follows Celtic, Liverpool and Leeds Rhinos. She presented and produced a popular sports podcast last year where she interviewed Ray Houghton, Chris Kamara and John Hartson. Deniese is currently Head of Communications for Boccia Ireland