DLR Waves 0-4 Shelbourne
SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division
UCD Bowl, 22nd March 2025
Saturday’s match saw an improved display for DLR Waves against a top quality Shelbourne side.
There were enforced changes in defence for The Waves with Chloe McCarthy suspended and Jess Gleeson injured. Rebecca McMahon and Nadine Raymond made their first starts of the season in a back 3 alongside Clíodhna Donnelly. The Waves played a 3-5-2 formation with Amber Cosgrove and Leah Donnelly as wingbacks and a midfield three of Keelin Dodd, Nadine Clare, and Neema Nyangasi. Michelle Doonan and Aisling Meehan started up front.
Shelbourne had the majority of the attacking possession in the opening half. Form Wave Kate Mooney and Mackenzie Anthony were threatening up front. Despite being under pressure DLR were well-organised and held off the onslaught. Eventually Shelbourne took the lead after Leah Doyle bounced on a loose ball from a corner. It could’ve been 0-2 but Leah Donnelly pulled off heroics on the goal line to keep to clear a ball that looked destined for the goal.
The second half saw The Waves create more going forward, but it was Shels who got the next goal through Mackenzie Anthony. The next 30 minutes were more back and forth with Shelbourne still holding the edge. Eventually the pressure paid off and they added two late goals through Pearl Slattery and Kate Mooney. The 0-4 scoreline was more reflective of Shelbourne’s quality than the performance from DLR Waves.
The MediaHuis player of the match was Shelbourne’s Leah Doyle.
The Wave of the day was Leah Donnelly at left wing back. She worked hard to stick with attackers and created a lot going forward.
Eve Badana captained the side and was called upon to make a few saves and did well in goal. The inexperienced back 3 who had never played together previously were well-organized. At one point Nadine Raymond went down having had her nose bloodied by a ball in the face. Keelin Dodd impressed in midfield with her strength on the ball and solid defensive display. Ciara Richardson came off the bench to make her DLR Waves debut.
DLR Waves can take positives into this Saturday’s game against Waterford.
DLR Waves Squad
Starting XI
18. Eve Badana
2. Leah Donnelly
4. Keelin Dodd
8. Rebecca McMahon
9. Aisling Meehan
13. Neema Nyangasi
14. Amber Cosgrove
15. Clíodhna Donnelly
16. Nadine Clare
20. Michelle Doonan
26. Nadine Raymond
Subs
30. Niamh Richardson
6. Izzy Finnegan (Replaced Neema Nyangasi 55′)
7. Rachel Doyle
10. Abbie Brophy (Replaced Aisling Meehan 55′)
11. Taylor White (Replaced Michelle Doonan 74′)
17. Jodie McQuillan
21. Eve Conheady
23. Ciara Richardson (Replaced Nadine Clare 74′)
25. Lauren Strong
