Doyle's late strike puts Peas six points clear at top

A late Sadhbh Doyle goal in front of a record crowd put Peamount in the driving seat in the title race as they moved six points clear of challengers Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium this evening.

Collie O'Neill made one change to his line up this evening after a draw with Bohemians last weekend. Jamie Thompson started in the place of Abby Tuthill, while injury doubt Stephanie Zambra was fit enough for the bench.

For the visitors, James O'Callaghan made two changes to his side after a thrilling 5-3 win against Athlone Town last time out. Shot stopper Niamh Burke Reid was recalled along with Jetta Berrill. Niamh Coombes and Ellen Dolan both dropped out of the match day squad.

Rovers started with real intent, moving the ball slickly across the wet surface showing why they are challenging for the title a season after returning to the Women’s Premier Division.

However, it was Peamount who began to control proceedings as the contest wore on. Karen Duggan’s passing and Doyle’s runs off the ball were causing problems for the Rovers back four.

It was one of these Doyle runs that brought the first opportunity of the game when her cross from the right-hand side was met by Becky Watkins, but her header was easily saved by Amanda Budden.

The Peas were then forced into an early change when Watkins, who tried to continue, was forced off with an injury.

The opening half was a tense affair, with both sides not wanting to make a mistake that could give their opponents the upper hand in this title race.

Rovers started the second half brightly like the first, looking to get that that elusive goal. Skipper Aine O’Gorman escaped her marker out wide and her cross forced Reid Burke into action who had to come off the line to claim.

Ireland