WNL round-up: Wexford go top, Bohemians leave it late

Wexford Youths are now the team to catch after opening up a four-point lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity Women's National League.

Champions Shelbourne lost away to Athlone Town in the live TG4 game, while Bohemians, Cork City and Peamount United were also victorious.

Knocked off the top of the table last weekend, Shelbourne came out against Athlone like a team determined to get back what they believe belongs to them, dominating the opening half. Jessie Stapleton almost opened the scoring after just three minutes, forcing goalkeeper Niamh Coombes into a smart save with her first-time effort from Noelle Murray's pass.

Emma Starr volleyed over the Athlone bar on 12 minutes and Coombes came to Athlone’s rescue on 37 minutes, snatching the ball away from Megan Smyth Lynch before she could finish an Abbie Larkin cross.

Athlone created few chances but Muireann Devaney served notice that they were not to be taken lightly when she brought an excellent save from Shels keeper Amanda Budden with a shot from distance.

The game resumed after the break with the visitors still in command but just after the hour Athlone showed their teeth. With 64 minutes gone substitute Kellie Brennan forced Budden to turn her effort round the post. Brennan herself took the resulting corner and Scarlett Herron headed it home to break the deadlock.

Just four minutes later, Brennan added a second, stooping to head in the rebound after Emily Corbet’s cross had come back out off the Shels crossbar. And though The Reds emptied their bench looking for a way back in, Athlone held firm to play themselves into the title mix, which is becoming a genuine four-horse race.

It was late drama at Dalymount Park as Bohemians were awarded a penalty with three minutes left