Goals and Glory: Women's Premier Division Delivers Thrills and a New Record
There was a real sense of occasion across the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division this week, as teams pushed hard to close the gap on Athlone Town at the top of the table. From record-breaking performances to fierce local rivalries, the spirit of the game was alive and well, showing just how far women's football has come in this country.
Treaty United Make History in Munster Derby
Treaty United put on a show at Markets Field, firing five goals past Cork City in a dominant Munster derby performance. The real story of the day was Katie Lawlee, who became Treaty's all-time women's top scorer with a brilliant brace. Madison McGuane also scored twice, with Ellen Goggin adding the fifth.
The scoring started early, just five minutes in, when McGuane sent a superb free kick into the net from the left edge of the box. Lawlee doubled the lead 20 minutes later, finding space and launching a powerful right-footed strike. Goggin made it three after a chance fell to her feet, and Lawlee completed her brace after some clever play from Caroline Penner. McGuane then capped off a brilliant individual run with a goal that squeezed under the goalkeeper's hand.
Waterford and Bohs Serve Up a Four Goal Thriller
At the RSC, Waterford and Bohemians shared the spoils in a gripping 2-2 draw. Alex Downey opened the scoring for Bohs just before the hour mark, pouncing on a loose ball in the box. Waterford struck back quickly, with Chloe Atkinson sliding a low cross for Fiona Bradley to finish. The home side then took the lead when a goalkeeping error allowed Isabel Walsh to bundle the ball in. But Bohs weren't done, and Jane Smyth found a brilliant equaliser with a curling right-footed shot.
Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne Secure Solid Wins
Shamrock Rovers saw off DLR Waves 2-0 in a confident display. The highlight was a stunning volley from Therese Kinnevey, who controlled a long ball from Roisin McGovern before burying it in the net. Emily Corbett added a second, calmly taking the ball around the goalkeeper to score.
Shelbourne also claimed a 2-0 win over Dublin rivals Peamount United at Tolka Park. Maeve Wollmer broke the deadlock with a powerful header from a well delivered cross, and Bella Flocchini sealed the win with a lovely curling shot from inside the box.
Galway Drop Points in Title Race
Out west, Galway United's title hopes took a hit as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds. Sligo opened the scoring when Gracie Dunaway capitalised on a poor clearance. Galway equalised early in the second half from a corner, with Emma Doherty heading in after the goalkeeper misjudged the flight of the ball.
What Does This Mean for the League?
This round of fixtures showed the depth and passion in the Women's Premier Division. Treaty United's record breaking performance and the tight battles elsewhere suggest the title race is far from over. For fans of the beautiful game, this is a season to remember.