DLR Waves 1-1 Shamrock Rovers
March 9th, UCD Bowl
DLR Waves put in an excellent performance to earn a hard fought 1-1 draw with Shamrock Rovers o open the 2024 LOI Women’s Premier Division campaign on a strong note.
The draw was well-earned from the home side with both sides having chances. Shamrock Rovers had more of the ball, particularly in the first half, but Waves were well-organized in defense and held off the onslaught. Jess Gleeson led the back line well while new signing Chloe McCarthy put in a well-timed challenge to deny Joy Ralph.
Eve Badana was called upon for her first real save of the game on the 22nd minute when she had to rise high to keep out Joy Ralph’s shot. The Canadian born Ireland international was awarded player of the match having pulled off several significant saves throughout the match to keep the Tallaght side out.
Having been limited with attacking play in the opening 20 minutes Waves grew into the game, and went ahead when start striker Michelle Doonan caught Summer Lawless off guard with a powerful shot. Doonan struck the ball from distance and the power behind the ball was too much for the Shamrock Rovers keeper, who got a hand to it but couldn’t stop it from just crossing the line.
From there until halftime Waves were mostly forced to defend, with Stehanie Zambra being denied twice. Ahead of halftime Bronagh Kane was forced off with a shoulder injury, with Taylor White taking her place to make her debut for Waves.
DLR Waves held out strongly and went in 1-0 up at halftime.
In the 2nd half Waves had more attacking play but still had a significant amount of defending to do. Doonan was busy up front and should a tremendous work rate as she chased after every ball. At the hour mark Freya Roche came on for Robyn Bolger who is very effective going forward in the 60 minutes she played.
Waves continued to defend well with Shamrock Rovers pushing for an equalizer. Jess Gleeson and Eve Badana led the side very well, with Gleeson continuing to cut out chances and Badana pulling off big saves.
Waves were good in midfield and managed to create chances despite being under pressure.
Eventually Shamrock Rovers did equalize from the penalty spot, Waves were unfortunate to concede a penalty and Ireland centurion Aine O’Gorman struck the ball well to convert.
The last 10 minutes were frantic from there with Michelle Doonan having some chances and Rovers hitting the crossbar. Freya Roche was forced off injured late on with Nadine Seward coming on for her debut. Neither side could find a winner and after 4 minutes of additional time it finished 1-1.
Watch the Goals
Unfortunately due to issues beyond our control we were unable to bring you commentary of the game.
DLR Waves Line-Up
18. Eve Badana
3. Chloe McCathy
5. Jess Gleeson (C)
6. Izzy Finnegan
10. Eve O’Brien
12. Bronagh Kane
13. Neema Nyangasi
14. Amber Cosgrove
19. Robyn Bolger
20. Michelle Doonan
21. Eve Conheady
Subs
1. Rugile Auskalnyte
2. Nicole Keogh
4. Hannah Tobin Jones
8. Rebecca McMahon
9. Nadine Seward [Replaced Freya Roche 82′]
11. Taylor White [Replaced Bronagh Kane 35′]
16. Freya Roche [Replaced Robyn Bolger 60′]
17. Oleta Griffin
23. Cliodhna Donnelly
League Table Round 1
Next Fixture
DLR Waves are away to Treaty United on Saturday 16th March. The game takes place at Market’s Field with kick-off at 17:00.