Data dive: Mean defences hallmark of top Women's Premier Division teams

Many of Europe's big leagues are kicking off this time of year with comments about how nothing can be won in August. But in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division, a lot will be decided this weekend.

In the league, Shelbourne and Athlone Town have the opportunity to take pole position in the title race with six games left. They go into their game at Tolka Park level on points.

In the Avenir Sports Women's All-Island Cup, Galway United and Shamrock Rovers play for the chance to take home the first trophy of the season.

It’s clear to see how three of these four teams have put themselves in a position for success.

Athlone, Shelbourne and Galway all have outstanding defensive records. On the other hand, Shamrock Rovers have defied their league form to produce an unexpected run of cup results.

The following are the fewest goals per game conceded in the history of the women’s league, with this year’s totals obviously not being over a full season yet.

Team

Year

Conceded per game

Shelbourne

2024

0.23

Shelbourne

2022

0.48

Galway Utd

2024

0.54

Athlone Town

2024

0.61

Peamount Utd

2019

0.62

Even if the three teams don’t maintain their pace for a full season, it is incredible to have three all-time defences competing in the one season.

Shelbourne and Galway have followed on from last year, where they shared the best record in the league at a stingy 0.65 per game.

So how have Shelbourne done it?

The best place to find an answer may be Cork City, who have scored two of the three goals Eoin Wearen’s have conceded this season.

However, there is one other team who Shels are yet to have a clean sheet against and that is Athlone Town.

That covers two games as they also met in the Avenir All-Island Cup. Both goals were excellent strikes by star players