Second half salvo helps Shelbourne overcome DLR Waves

Champions Shelbourne extended their lead at the top of the Women's National League table to eight points, albeit temporarily, with a hard fought win at home to DLR Waves.

A blistering second half performance from the home side, in which they grabbed two goals in a minute through Saoirse Noonan and Jess Ziu set the home side on their way following a slow first half by their high standards.

Ziu grabbed her second and a towering Shauna Fox header made sure of all three points and enacted revenge over the Waves - who had handed Shels both their only defeat and only goal conceded this season, just four weeks previous.

FULL MATCH DETAILS

In the Reds' third Dublin Derby in a row, having seen off bitter rivals Peamount and Bohemians in recent weeks, Noel King named an unchanged side from last weeks impressive 3-0 win at Dalymount Park.

The visitors, who included a host of ex-Shels players in their line-up including Lyn Craven, Jess Gleeson and Fiona Donnelly, to name but a few, started brightly as Kate Mooney swivelled on the edge of the area but dragged her shot just wide of the near post.

The hosts knew a battle was on the cards, and responded well, as Alex Kavanagh looked to dominate possession in the midfield and dictate the game.

The Finglas native was at the heart of Shels' best chance, playing a delightful ball over the top for Noelle Murray who volleyed first time, forcing Eve Badana into a great save.

Both sides looked a threat as the half progressed with speedsters Kate Mooney and Jess Ziu looking dangerous out wide for their respective teams, but there was little in terms of goalmouth action.

Oleta Griffin and Sarah McKevitt had speculative efforts from distance for the visitors Just before the break the game threatened to