Shelbourne regain league lead with comfortable win over Treaty

Shelbourne kept up their end of the bargain in the three-horse title race with a relatively comfortable win at home to a spirited Treaty United.

Athlone, one point behind leaders Shels, host Cork City at 7.30pm, while Galway United, four points behind, are away to Wexford at 7.35pm. Both Athlone and Galway have two games in hand on the Tolka Park outfit.

Player of the match Kate Mooney bagged a first half brace, with Christie Gray and Maggie Pierce putting the result beyond doubt, before the impressive Treaty duo of Delana Friesen and Danielle Steer took some shine off the result with two top class finishes.

With only four games remaining after today, and having played a game more than leaders Athlone Town and Galway United who sat a point back in third at kick-off, the pressure was on Eoin Wearen's charges but they certainly didn’t play like it, taking just 10 minutes to get their noses in front.

Despite a blanket of humidity suffocated the famous old ground, the home side made a flying start as Mooney’s first time expertly taken volley put her side in a deserved lead.

Keeva Keenan, on her 100th appearance for the Reds, went close minutes later as she overlapped Leah Doyle but saw her strike from the left hand side of the area sail just past the top corner.

The home side were playing some scintillating stuff as they hit their groove. Following a delightful passing move that included all of the talented front line, the ball eventually made its way to Mooney who smashed a left footed volley just over the bar.

The visitors sent a timely reminder to Shels that they carried a threat of their own midway through the first half when the busy Danielle Steer showed good feet to turn outside the box and drive a low shot at Amanda