Wollmer's last-gasp winner keeps Shels fast start going
Shelbourne maintained their unbeaten start to the season thanks to a late, stunning Maeve Wollmer finish as the clock ticked past the 90th minute in one of the most dramatic endings of the campaign so far.
Riding the crest of the wave that was the Girls in Green double winning week over their Polish counterparts, an Irish squad that included Reds midfielder Aoibheann Clancy, the home side offered free entry to anyone who had a ticket from the big game in the Aviva yesterday, and a busy crowd of 788 - although it sounded like more - basked in the Drumcondra sunshine as two bitter rivals went to war.
Looking for their first win in three over their North Dublin neighbours the hosts almost fell behind with less than eight minutes played after a rip-roaring opening that saw full blooded challenges fly in all over the pitch.
The visitors, decked out on their black Kneecap away jersey, started brightly when marauding Sarah Power burst down the right wing and delivered a pinpoint cross onto the head of Katie Lovely, The attacker had found a couple of yards of space in the area, but was unlucky to see her glanced header sail just over.
This seemed to wake up the home side, who were searching for their first home win over Bohs in almost two years, and began to gain control in the middle through Alex Kavanagh at the base of midfield and the relentless running of Clancy just ahead.
The latter hit two excellent free-kicks in quick succession, from similar distances about 25-yards out, the second of which forced Bohs skipper Rachael Kelly into an outstanding full stretch fingertip save, forcing the ball onto the post and behind for a corner.
The visitors, missing the heartbeat of their midfield in Aoibhe Brennan and Fiona Donnelly, were coping with the threat relatively comfortably although there was a good battle developing between the in-form flying winger Becky Watkins and the versatile Ciara Maher, who was left of the back three.
As the tension-filled second half continued, it seemed likely a set play or mistake might be the deciding factor and Shels talismanic captain almost provided the crucial moment, making a sharp near post run from Clancy's inswinging corner, glancing a header that narrowly missed the far post.
Shels Aoibheann Clancy in action against Sarah McKevitt of Bohs
The energy sapping sun began to take its toll as both sides looked to their bench to keep their energy up in search of a winner, and it’s Bohs latest introduction Hannah O’Brien who went closest as her floated cross from the right almost caught out Mya Sanchez, but the American stopper back peddled quickly to touch over the bar.
As the dying embers approached, a minute of madness eventually settled the tie.
with just seconds remaining, the visitors looked as if they would wrap up all three points when Lauryn McCabe released Katie Malone through on goal, with what looked like the half all to herself, but just as she pulled the trigger Kavanagh appeared out of nowhere to block the shot and save her side.
It turned out to be crucial as less than a minute later Leah Doyle picked out Maeve Wollmer over the top, and with an exquisite touch controlled the high ball before looping a finish over the helpless Kelly to secure all three points.
The drama wasn’t over just yet as there was still time for Bohs to earn one final set-piece in which Rachael Kelly joined the attack. The keeper saw a well struck volley blocked before the ball eventually being swung back into the mix but Maher just couldn't guide her header goalwards resulting in a huge sigh of relief around Tolka Park.
Meanwhile, Athlone Town grabbed two second-half goals to see off Peamount United 2-0 with Dana Scheriff striking just after the hour mark before Hannah Waesch wrapped up the win in the 77th minute.
Galway United continued their perfect start to the season by beating Treaty United 2-0 at the Markets Field.
Ceola Bergin put the visitors in front in the 26th minute, with Emma Doherty among the goals again by doubling the lead on 57 minutes. That proved enough for the Tribeswomen.
DLR Waves recorded their first victory of the season against Sligo Rovers.
Siun Murdiff and Amber Cosgrove found the net in a 2-0 success at the UCD Bowl.
Wexford FC went a goal down to Cork City but then hit the visitors for four, running out 4-1 winners.
Eva Managan gave Cork the lead after 10 minutes before two apiece from Courtney Chochol and Leah McGrath secured the points for he home side.
All that leavs Galway top of the table on 12 points with four wins from four, Athlone and Shels have 10 points each with Peamount three behind them in fourth place on seven points.
Shelbourne: Mya Sanchez: Jess Gargan, Maggie Pierce, Pearl Slattery, Leah Doyle; Aoibheann Clancy, Alex Kavanagh, Aoife Kelly (Keeva Keenan, 90+3’); Olivia Damico (Maeve Wollmer, 53’), Becky Watkins, Brianne Severns
Bohemians: Rachael Kelly: Sarah Power, Lisa Murphy, Ciara Maher; Sarah McKevitt (Hannah O’Brien, 60’), Kayie Lovely, Hannah Healy (Leiagh Glennon, 78’), Aoife Sheridan (Savannah Kane, 90+3’), Aoife Brophy; Katie Lovely, Alannah McEvoy (Lauryn McCabe, 78’)
Referee: Mark Patchell
