Athlone beat Bohemians but have to settle for second

Despite an impressive victory over Bohemians, some of the Athlone players had their head in their hands at Dalymount as the news filtered through from Ferrycarrig park that Shelbourne had been crowned league champions for the 2022 season.

Prior to kick-off, the permutations had been clear: a draw between Wexford Youths and Shelbourne, coupled with an Athlone win at Dalymount, would mean a play-off for the title between Shels and Athlone.

Knowing that only a win would do, it was the visitors who had the more encouraging start but they were met by a resolute Bohs defence being well marshalled by Ciara Maher.

Despite having nothing to play for, Bohs wanted to end their season on a high and were very unlucky not to go ahead midway through the first half. Lisa Murphy delivered a raking free-kick from deep that found the towering Chloe Darby at the back post - she did brilliantly to guide her header back across goal but it narrowly missed the target.

It's been quite an incredible season for Athlone, who finished seventh last season but find themselves in a Cup final as well as taking their title charge to the last day.

Much of their success has been down to the league's joint top-scorer Emily Corbet and minutes later she did well to fashion a yard of space in the crowded area but couldn't keep her shot down.

Gillian Keenan missed a glorious chance to put her side ahead just minutes later but failed to generate the right power or direction on her header from five yards out, as the ball sailed straight at the retreating Rachael Kelly in the Bohs goal.

The visitors were beginning to ramp up the pressure as Bohs failed to make the ball stick in the final third, inviting waves of pressure. Just after the half-hour mark Kate Slevin rattled