DLR Waves 2-0 Sligo Rovers
UCD Bowl, Saturday 8th June
It was a fantastic day for DLR Waves who fought hard to pick up their first win of the season.
The sun was beating down on the UCD Bowl as the League of Ireland Women’s Premier Division returned after the international break. Both DLR Waves and Sligo Rovers were yet to win a game, with both sides level on points at the bottom of the table.
The first half lacked many clear cut chances with neither goalkeeper having to work hard. It was The Waves who had more of the ball going forward as they asked questions of the away sides defence. The break through game in the 36th minute when The Waves were awarded a freekick.
The position of the freekick was such that t was basically in line with the penalty spot in the D. Jess Gleeson stepped up with a wall between her and the net. Gleeson walloped the ball hard over the wall and goalkeeper, it hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced into the net. It was the captain’s first goal of the season.
The home side finished the first half defending a couple of corners. When the 2nd half began it was The Waves in the ascendancy with an attacking press that made it difficult for Sligo to retain possession. The away side grew into the game a bit more and created a few chances.
The win was sealed with a super strike by Rebecca McMahon. Eve Badana played the ball long, which Michelle Doonan chased down. The ball found it;s way to Taylor White in the box who laid it off to McMahon. The number 8 fired the ball into the top corner for her first senior goal.
It was a deserved 3 points for The Waves in a game that saw Sligo compete well and ask questions. Emma Doherty’s runs going forward could have caused concerns if the ball supply had of been more accurate.
For DLR Waves Jess Gleeson and Izzy Finnegan were the standout performers. Finnegan was awarded player of the match for controlling the midfield well and breaking up Sligo attacks. Gleeson was picked for the official league team of the week with an excellent defensive display to add to her goal.
Gleeson’s centre back partner Chloe McCarthy put in another solid defensive performance as she has all season. The fullbacks Amber Cosgrove and Eve Conheady were effective going forward. Eve Badana pulled off a good save and distributed the ball well from the back.
Going forward this was The Waves’ best performance so far this season with Nadine Seward, Robyn Bolger and Michelle Doonan keeping the Sligo defence busy with Taylor White also joining in on the attack. Cliodhna Donnelly was reliable in midfield, and when Freya Roche and Rebecca McMahon came on with over 20 minutes to go they ensured The Waves kept the pressure on in attack.
Late in the game Nadine Raymond and Amy Ryan came on with Hannah Tobin Jones being brought on to sure up the defence.
It was a great win for DLR against a hungry Sligo side. The Waves now move off the foot of the table with a first win and clean sheet of the season. DLR Waves are now unbeaten in 3 games across all competitions.
Matchday Photos
Match Highlights
DLR Waves Squad
Starting XI
18. Eve Badana
3. Chloe McCarthy
5. Jess Gleeson (C)
6. Izzy Finnegan
9. Nadine Seward
11. Taylor White
14. Amber Cosgrove
19. Robyn Bolger
20. Michelle Doonan
21. Eve Conheady
23. Cliodhna Donnelly
Subs
1. Rugile Auskalnyte
4. Hannah Tobin Jones (Replaced Eve Conheady)
8. Rebecca McMahon (Replaced Cliodhna Donnelly 67′)
12. Bronagh Kane
15. Ruth McDonnell
16. Freya Roche (Replaced Robyn Bolger 67′)
17. Oleta Griffin
22. Amy Ryan (Replaced Taylor White 80′)
24. Nadine Raymond (Replaced Michelle Doonan 80′)
Women’s Premier Division Table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shelbourne | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 2 | 12 | 21 |
| 2 | Galway United | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 20 | 4 | 16 | 19 |
| 3 | Athlone Town | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 4 | 8 | 19 |
| 4 | Peamount United | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 14 |
| 5 | Wexford | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 10 |
| 6 | Cork City | 9 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 18 | -12 | 10 |
| 7 | Treaty United | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 8 |
| 8 | Shamrock Rovers | 8 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 7 |
| 9 | Bohemians | 8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 12 | -8 | 7 |
| 10 | DLR Waves | 8 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 16 | -10 | 6 |
| 11 | Sligo Rovers | 8 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 12 | -9 | 3 |
Next Fixture…
DLR Waves are away to Wexford FC next Saturday June 15th. The game takes place at Ferrycarrig Park with Kick Off at 18:00.