Shelbourne and Bohemians play out Tolka Park stalemate

Reigning SSE Airtricity Women's National League champions Shelbourne extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points after a highly entertaining draw against Bohemians in a Dublin derby at Tolka Park.

Both sides couldn't be separated on the night, but not for the want of trying, as both sets of players left it all out in the famous old ground with defences just coming out on top.

The home side had been in decent form of late, unbeaten in three, including a remarkable 10-0 away win at Treaty United, and prior to kick-off bolstered their squad with the announcement of a trio of new signings in the form of Emma Starr, Izzy Glennon and Courtney Maguire.

Although the hosts dominated possession, it was Bohs who looked a threat on the break in the early exchanges.

Rebecca Cooke had a couple of long-range efforts and speedster Abbie Brophy on the right wing looked to cause problems with her pace as a nice little battle with Leah Doyle started to develop.

The league leaders came closest to breaking the deadlock with 20 minutes played as Megan Smyth-Lynch smashed a left-footed free-kick off the crossbar, rebounding to safety much to the gratitude and relief of Rachael Kelly in the Bohs goal.

The game became a lot more open as the half wore on, with both sides missing glorious chances to take the lead.

Jemma Quinn, following a clever one-two with strike partner Noelle Murray, found herself through on goal but under pressure could only poke the ball towards goal.

Almost immediately down the other end, Erica Burke showed great strength to hold off Pearl Slattery on the edge of the area but just couldn't hit the target.

The momentum began to sway in the visitors favour and it was Brophy who was becoming a real thorn in hosts' side.