WNL: First-half goals enough as Shelbourne beat Wexford

A dominant display from the reigning WNL champions Shelbourne saw them record a comfortable victory against Wexford Youths at Ferrycarrig Park.

An important three points as the result means Noel King's side join Peamount at the top of the table on 18 points each.

Shelbourne started the game at an almighty pace and with serious intent from the off.

Everything in the early stages was going down the right wing through Jess Gargan and on five minutes Gargan’s dangerous cross into the box was met with a sweet volley from Saoirse Noonan to give the visitors a deserved lead..

As the first half progressed Wexford did begin to grow into the game more but were struggling to build anything of note outside of their own half with the pressure the visitors were applying.

Shelbourne continued to press and exert their dominance. Rachel Graham and Jessie Stapleton worked tirelessly and very effectively in midfield to keep the threat of Ellen Molloy and Kylie Murphy to a minimum throughout.

On the half hour mark Shels doubled their lead through Keeva Keenan. Keenan picked the ball up on the edge of the box after silky footwork from Ziu before lifting a shot up and over Williams into the roof of the net. There was some uncertainty from the officials for a few moments as to whether the ball had crossed the line but the goal was given and the lead was two.

On the stroke of half time the home side could have pulled one back. Ellen Molloy weaved her way through midfield with dazzling feet before finding Murphy with a perfectly weighted through ball. Murphy couldn’t get her usual power behind her effort leaving Budden with a routine pick up.

Wexford, despite not creating too many clear cut opportunities close to goal did grow into the game more in the