Bohemians finally achieved a win in the First Phase of the 2020 Women’s National League season but they had to win until the final game to taste success.
The Dublin side defeated Athlone Town, while Galway WFC, Wexford Youths and Shelbourne all recorded wins on the road.
Bohs finally get a win
Bohemians 1-0 Athlone Town
Supporters finally saw the potential of the Bohemians squad when they recorded a 1-0 win at the Oscar Traynor Centre.
It was just before half-time when Niamh Kenna put Bohs ahead. Though it was a nervous second period for the hosts, this is the result that they needed to boost their confidence.
Athlone are also newcomers this season and they made sure the Dublin side fought hard to take all three points. There wasn’t much between the two teams but the home win will go down in the history books.
Cork’s winning streak ends
Cork City 1-2 Galway WFC
A run of five League wins in a row came to a halt for Cork as two second-half goals from Lynsey McKey proved to be the difference in this game.
Cork have been in fantastic form but Galway have been playing well too.
Billy Clery’s side have largely gone under the radar in the First Phase but their game-winning ability was on full display here as the wily McKey got them going.
Two goals from the experienced striker opened up a lead that Cork could not close in spite of a late goal from midfielder Becky Cassin.
Kingsley is a Blessing for Wexford
DLR Waves 0-2 Wexford Youths
Flying winger Blessing Kingsley lived up to her billing by getting Wexford off the mark in the UCD Bowl.
Inside the opening half hour Wexford showcased their attacking flair with some clever movement and slick passing. It looked only a matter of time before they would score and Kingsley did just that.
DLR tried to respond but they could not find that breakthrough that their positive play merited. The work being done by manager Graham Kelly is revealing itself with each passing game and they are not far away from clicking altogether.
Wexford have several players who know how to grind out results in this League, as well as some exciting youngsters, such as goal scorer Aoibheann Clancy, who want to contribute.
Shels rout Treaty
Treaty United 0-7 Shelbourne
Following back-to-back defeats in the League and FAI Women’s Cup, Shels needed to register a response that showed everyone that they are still very much in the title race.
It took time but once Emily Whelan got their first goal it all started to flow for Dave Bell’s team with Ciara Grant, Noelle Murray and Whelan again scoring inside the first half.
Treaty made it very physical as they contested every ball. Nobody could question their effort but, ultimately, Shels were too strong for them.
Two goals from Jessica Gargan and one from Mia Dodd wrapped up a comprehensive victory for Shels.
The Second Phase of the Women’s National League will begin next Saturday, 17th October 2020. The League structure will split into two – one group of five teams, one group of four teams.
