Treaty United Suffer Defeat to Shelbourne

Treaty United suffered a heavy 0-7 defeat at the hands of Dublin side Shelbourne on Saturday afternoon at Jackman Park. Goals from Emily Whelan (x2), Jess Gargan, Ciara Grant (x2), Noelle Murray and Mia Dodd provided the visitors with the victory ahead of the split in the league.

Shelbourne made a fast start and lone striker Emily Whelan had the first two chances of the game in quick succession but she was denied by a combination of Clodagh Doherty and goalkeeper Alannah Mitchell.

Treaty’s first chance fell to Maura Shine whose shot from distance travelled over the crossbar. Whelan was causing the Treaty defence all sorts of problems and she was once again set up by Isabel Atkinson but she side footed wide under pressure from the advancing Mitchell.

Despite being under early pressure, the home side created the best chance of the game as Cara Griffin rounded goalkeeper Rachel Kelly but heroic defending from Jamie Finn prevented the concession of a goal.

Moments later, the visitors took the lead as Whelan skipped past Mitchell and tapped home from close range. Unfortunately, the concession of the first goal sparked a goal flurry for Shels as Ciara Grant doubled the lead. With five minutes remaining until half-time, Whelan was fouled by Mitchell and Noelle Murray dispatched the spot-kick.

Striker Whelan scored her second of the game just before half time as she cleverly flicked an Atkinson cross into the net at the front post.

Treaty manager Dave Rooney made two half time changes with captain Marie Curtin and Aoife Cronin replacing Clodagh Doherty and Lauren Keane. Michaela Mitchell was forced into two early second half saves before centre-back Shannon Parabet forced a save from Kelly with a header.

Dave Bell’s visitors compounded the home side’s misery when Ciara Grant netted a fifth following a clever run and finish. Treaty substitute Aoife Cronin picked up possession 25 yards out from goal and her shot went just wide.

Shels added to their lead when a strong run from Jess Gargan allowed the right-back to tee up Mia Dodd who rifled home from the edge of the box. With just one minute remaining in normal time, Shelbourne grabbed their seventh as a strong run and pass from Kate Mooney allowed Jess Gargan to tap into an empty net and finish the rout.

Treaty United will now face Athlone at Jackman Park next Saturday as the Women’s National League splits into 2 sections. Dave Rooney will be hoping his side can bounce back in preparation for the FAI Cup semi-final against Cork City next month.

Treaty United: Michaela Mitchell, Anna Shine (Eve O’Sullivan), Shannon Parabet (Esra Kengel), Clodagh Doherty (Marie Curtin), Alannah Mitchell, Maura Shine, Gillian Keenan, Rebeeca Horgan, Cayla Davis, Lauren Keane (Aoife Cronin), Cara Griffin

Shelbourne: Rachel Kelly, Jess Gargan, Pearl Slattery (Kate Mooney), Jamie Finn (Ella O’Connell), Jess Gleeson, Jessica Ziu (Mia Dodd), Rachel Graham (Rebecca Cooke), Noelle Murray (Alex Kavanagh), Ciara Grant, Isabel Atkinson, Emily Whelan (Leah Doyle)