As Dean Martin would put it “You’re nobody ’til somebody loves you”, but in this league you’re nobody until Shels put seven past you. Over the previous 2 Shelbourne Women’s games, the Reds have managed to score 14 times and only concede twice, at the hand of their bitter neighbours Bohemians, and Cork City.
In todays article we will be discussing the recent two wins by the Shelbourne Women’s team, where they beat Bohemains 7-2 in Dalymount Park and beat Cork City 7-0 back home in Tolka Park the next week. Let’s digress!
(12/4/25) Bohemians 2-7 Shelbourne
The North Dublin derby always brings elevated excitement to fans, and this one didn’t disappoint. In the 12th minute the deadlock was broken when the Bohs keeper made a lash save attempt coming well away from her goal to get the ball off Cooke, which was cleared out to Mackenzie Anthony who pocketed the opportunity for Shels. It wasn’t long until the tie was restored, as in the 19th minute Katie Malone managed to get Bohs straight back into the game.
In the 37th minute, a well-executed cross led to a scramble in the Bohemians’ box for possession when it lands to Rebecca Cooke who sinks it in the net and puts Shels back ahead. From this point it went downhill for the Gypsies, as just 5 minutes later a well-driven free kick by Clancy lands at the feet of Leah Doyle in the box, bringing the score to 1-3 to Shelbourne.
Just before halftime, a well-placed ball and a defensive error led Mackenzie Anthony into an amazing position to score, where she smoothly dinked it over the keeper to close the half in style.
To open the scoring in the second half, an unfortunate attempt to block a shot by Rachel Graham led to her to scoring an own goal, bringing the scoreline to 2-4. Not long after in the 64th minute, a guided corner and a fantastic header by Pearl Slattery added to the Reds’ tally for the day. In a captain’s fashion, Slattery scores off a second header from a driven cross just 9 minutes after her previous goal.
To close the scoring for the night, Kate Mooney scored a gorgeous goal inside the box in the 88th minute, bringing the final score to 2-7 to Shelbourne, who gladfully head home with 3 points over their neighbours. To conclude, it was an enticing game between two bitter enemies.
(19/4/25) Shelbourne 7-0 Cork
A repeat of a scoreline more than 3 years ago also in Tolka Park, Shelbourne easily dispatched of Cork City. To open the first halve, Mackenzie Anthony opened the scoring account in the 13th minute, followed by another in the 30th to close the half 2-0 to Shelbourne. An overall quiet half (In regard to the previous game’s first half).
Just 3 minutes into the second half, Kate Mooney added to her scoresheet for the weekend. Not much action until the 73rd minute, when Leah Doyle added a fourth for the Reds. Just one whole minute later, Noelle Murray found the fifth goal of the evening, and then just 3 minutes later Noelle Murray found the sixth goal, and then another 3 minutes went by when Rebecca Devereux managed to pick up the 14th goal across the two games.
In summation, the women made a grave example of the Cork City team. Within seven minutes the game went from 3-0 to 7-0. A brilliant statement from the Auld Reds.
Goals, Grit and Glamour.
There are many takeaways from the individual performances over the last 2 games.
Mackenzie Anthony, a new addition to the squad in the winter transfer window managed to score 4 times in the two games, making her total for the season 6, placing her as the top scorer so far this season.
Pearl Slattery showed across both matches a solid captain’s performance, leading by example with her two goals against Bohemians and solid defensive performance at home against Cork.
Kate Mooney and Leah Doyle both had solid contributions across both games, with 4 goals between the pair of them.
We also cannot forget to mention Noelle Murray’s brace against Cork within 3 minutes, can we?
A Statement of Intent
Shelbourne have now won 5 out of 5 of their recent games, which if you calculate together, they have scored 23 goals and only conceded twice. These recent two batterings over Cork and Bohemians have cemented them with a goal difference of +20. They are also now top of the table, a point ahead of Athlone Town.
These recent two wins are a message by Eoin Wearen and his squad that after last season’s unfortunate 2nd place in the league, that they are stronger than ever. Just 6 months ago this Shelbourne squad ran rampant over Athlone in the Women’s FAI Cup where they won 6-1. They again beat Athlone for silverware this year with a 2-1 win in the Women’s President’s Cup. This Shelbourne squad want this league badly, and by the looks of it with Cork and Bohemians, they are willing to steamroll anyone in their path to glory.
Story told.
Shelbourne showed up these past two matches, netting 14 goals between them. These two wins were warnings to the league. Back-to-back goal fests, composed finishes and firing squads of goal scorers will leave not only a sour taste in the mouth of Cork and Bohemians, but everyone else in the league who has to face this outfit.
The point has been made. All of Shelbourne’s opposition have been warned that this team will fight for the title this year with determination. This is just the start for them.
I’d like to thank you for reading my article about the exciting previous two games for the Shelbourne Womens squad. If you liked it, make sure to follow LOI Talk on our social medias and stay tuned for future articles. That’s all – Matt!