Galway United came from behind to defeat Peamount United 2-1 and extend their winning streak to seven matches in the Women’s Premier Division thanks to goals from Emma Doherty and Aoibheann Costello.
Galway United 2
Peamount United 1
Galway United surprisingly started the slower of the two sides, with Peamount playing with more confidence in the early minutes of the game.
Peamount pressed Galway high up the pitch early on, limiting the league leaders with time on the ball.
Peamount had the first shot of the game, but Sophie Byrne’s shot was deflected wide by Remini Tillotson.
Galway were struggling to get into the opening stanza of the game, with Peamount being the team firmly on top.
All that Peamount pressure culminated in a goal for Peamount, as Eleanor Ryan-Doyle tucked the ball passed Amanda McQuillan in the Galway goal as the visitors went 1-0 up.
Peamount kept the pressure on, with Sophie Byrne having another shot blocked, with the resulting corner leading to Peamount hitting the post courtesy of Abigail Villiers-Tuthill.
The first yellow card of the game was given to Peamount’s Aisling Spillane after a nasty coming together with Isabella Beletic, but the American was able to continue.
Galway after a nervy opening to the game slowly got back into it, and it wasn’t long before Galway were level. An amazing Emma Doherty header leveled up the sides after the first half an hour.
Galway started to play like a side that were top of the league, and after a slow start began to flex their muscles. They nearly scored after Amy Madden’s shot was blocked by her own teammate.
The game became frantic towards the end of the first half, with both teams struggling to hold onto the ball.
Peamount has the last chance of the first half, with goal scorer Ryan-Doyle putting an effort just wide of the Galway United, as the sides went into half time level.
The beginning of the second half began in a similar fashion to the end of the first, with Galway on top. The first shot of the second half was an effort from Galway captain Aoibheann Costello, which went well wide of the Peamount goal.
Galway used an efficient press against Peamount to begin the second half, trapping the visitors in their own half and limiting their time on the ball.
Aoibheann Costello was causing all sorts of trouble for Peamount down the left-hand side, with Galway winning a few corners due to her fantastic dribbling ability.
Galway’s dominance was rewarded with a goal. Captain fantastic Aoibheann Costello got on the end of an Emma Doherty cross to put Galway 2-1 up.
Galway continued to play on the front foot, opting not to sit back on their slender one goal advantage. They dictated the play and firmly shut out Peamount United.
Goal scorer Emma Doherty and Peamount defender Della Maria Doherty had a coming together in the middle of the pitch; both players received treatment and were able to continue.
Galway continued to dominate possession, looking comfortable on the ball and playing some excellent passes heading into the final 20 minutes of the game.
Phil Trill was booked by referee Eric Eaton, as the Galway Head Coach showed his discontent for some of the refereeing decisions that were made this afternoon.
Going into the final 10 minutes, it looked like there was no way back for Peamount in this game, as Galway had firmly shut up shop.
The game petered out, Galway had seen out their 2-1 lead, as Phil Trill’s side made it 7 wins in a row as the side out west remain top of the table in the Women’s Premier Division.
Player of the Match: Aoibheann Costello. Galway United’s captain was yet again an ever-present for Galway and was a driving force for their victory today. Her goal was expertly taken, and she covered nearly every blade of grass on the pitch today. Once again, she proved why she is one of the best players in the league.
Line Ups
Galway United (4-2-3-1): Amanda McQuillan (gk), Aoibheann Costello (c), Lucy Jane Grant, Isabella Beletic, Remini Tillotson, Niamh Cotter, Ceola Bergin, Aoibhin Donnelly, Amy Madden, Emma Doherty, Niamh Farrelly Subs: Kate Thompson (61’ for Amy Madden), Ava Mullins (79’ for Aoibhin Donnelly), Anna McGough (92’ for Emma Doherty)
Peamount United (4-2-3-1): Amy Mahon (gk), Meabh Russell, Della Maria Doherty, Abigail Villiers-Tuthill, Mary Phillips, Aoife O’Connor, Aisling Spillane, Sorcha Melia, Eleanor Ryan-Doyle (c), Dearbhaile Beirne, Sophie Byrne Subs: Antea Guvo (63’ for Aoife O’Connor), Ciara O’Neil (81’ for Sophie Byrne)
Referee: Eric Eaton