Shels held by resurgent Wexford

Unbeaten Shelbourne failed to move a few points clear in the early game as the title hopefuls were held to a scoreless draw against a hugely impressive Wexford side in a highly entertaining clash.

Although the two teams were missing major potential protagonists in Ceola Bergin, who recently picked up the SSE Airtricity Player of the Month for June, and the talismanic Noelle Murray for the home side, they boasted more than enough quality in their respective squads to cope in their absence.

Following a lively start, in which both showed real quality in possession, it was the high flying hosts that looked the more threatening,

Firstly midfield maestro Alex Kavanagh picked out a clever ball over the top that caused confusion in the Wexford backline, resulting in the ball falling kindly to Jemma Quinn, but she shot straight at Jayne Merron.

Minutes later Kavanagh's midfield partner Maggie Pierce showed great energy to burst forward before dragging her shot agonisingly wide as the hosts began to build up a head of steam.

Hannah Healy was next to go close, as the visitors struggled to play through a well organised high press from the Reds.

Despite being under the cosh for much of the half, the visitors - who have been rejuvenated in recent weeks boasting five wins in a row in all competitions - sent a kind reminder of the attacking threat they possess on the counter. Orlaith Conlon took advantage of a loose pass in the midfield before driving forward to the edge of the area but eventually sliced her shot wide under pressure.

Hugh Strong must have had the hairdryer out at half-time as his team came flying off the blocks in the second half and were desperately unlucky not to take the lead when Teegan Lynch tried her luck from distance