Shels crush Peamount to narrow gap at top

Peamount United go into the International break top of the pile but will have seen their lead at the summit dramatically cut as sensational Shelbourne come from behind to grab a vital win, in what promises to be an enthralling 2023 title race.

Megan Smyth-Lynch returned to haunt her old side with a brace, before Maggie Pierce and Alex Kavanagh netted completed an incredible second half turn around.

The hosts, fresh from a hard fought 2-0 win at Dalymount Park on Saturday afternoon, were relieved to see the inclusion of young star Tara O'Hanlon, who was forced off with an injury having won a penalty for the opener against Bohemians.

And it was the home side who made a dream start, getting right in the faces of the visitors from the first whistle.

The intense start paid dividends after just four minutes when when the hosts pressed high, won the ball sharply, before Erin McLaughlin - with a yard of space - let fly from 20 yards with a screamer past Courtney Maguire who did well to even get a touch on it.

But Shels, still reeling from the shock defeat at home to Galway United, responded as Champions tend to do.

The visitors had been gifted an injury boost of their own, seeing inspirational skipper Pearl Slattery passed fit to lead the side out despite leaving Tolka Park in an ambulance a few days earlier. And really should have gotten themselves back on level terms shortly after the opener.

Leah Doyle's deep free kick from the left side found the unmarked Maggie Pierce in the area, but failed to get any contact on the header with the goal seemingly at her mercy.

Alex Kavanagh, operating slightly higher in the number 10 position early on, began to get a hold of the game as Shels pressed for an equaliser. The classy midfielder