Women's Premier Division: Murray magic sinks Bohs

The weekend's League of Ireland SSS Airtricity Women's Premier Division action kicked off in dramatic fashion as Shelbourne beat Bohemians in a keenly contested North-Dublin derby at Tolka Park.

Under the watchful eye of Women's National team boss Eileen Gleeson, the home side took bragging rights with a goal of the season contender from Noelle Murray in a highly entertaining game full of grit and endeavour.

Ken Kiernan’s well-drilled outfit did look impressive against a Reds side who, albeit temporarily, jumped to second in the table thanks to the win.

As expected it was the home side who set their stall out early dominating possession, but failed to really test Gypsie’s skipper Rachael Kelly.

And it was the visitors who had the clearest opportunity to make the breakthrough, with a quarter of an hour gone, when Sarah McKevitt found space at the back post but, instead of striking first time on the uneven surface, she opted to take a touch before blasting over with the goal at her mercy.

The enigmatic Murray responded for the hosts going close from distance, narrowly missing the top corner.

With the pressure mounting, Shelbourne really should have been ahead minutes later when Leah Doyle whipped in a dangerous low cross from the left, finding Hannah Healy on the penalty spot but again couldn't hit the target.

Bohs player of the month, Alannah McEvoy, worked tirelessly up front on her own in an intriguing battle with Pearl Slattery, and went close with a header herself that nearly snuck in at the back post.

The home side looked much sharper after the break and on the hour mark broke the deadlock, and in some style too.

Much like her earlier strike from distance, Noelle Murray picked up the ball in a pocket of space just behind the