Galway WFC got back to winning ways in the Women’s National League in Dalymount Park on Saturday when they defeated Bohemians 2-1.
Alan Murphy’s side started the brighter with Chloe Singleton to the fore. She teed up both Aoibheann Costello and Elle O’Flaherty to test the Bohs' goal early on, before O’ Flaherty had the chance of the half when she stole through the Bohs' defence, only to be denied by their keeper Rachael Kelly.
At the other end, Galway goalie Abbiegayle Ronayne kept the home side out twice with smart saves forced from home corners.
In the second half, around the hour mark, Ronayne was eventually beaten. Another corner caused chaos, allowing Katie Lovely to steer home.
It was a tough break for Galway who had been playing well. Indeed they could have taken the lead themselves had Jenna Slattery’s free-kick not been cruelly denied by the bar.
After a difficult run of results, the Galway women showed great resolve and were rewarded with 15 minutes left. The pacey O’Flaherty again stole through, and this time found the finish to bring her side level.
A thorn in Bohs' side all evening, O’Flaherty’s dynamism ultimately set up the winner when she was hauled down in the box with six minutes left on the clock. Slattery stepped up and slotted the spot-kick to give her side a 2-1 lead, and the win.
It is likely to ensure a fifth place finish for Galway, and they will now enjoy something of a free hit when they face two sides still in title contention in the coming fortnight.
Galway travel to fourth place Athlone Town this Saturday who need a win to keep their slim title hopes alive. Having gained 13 points from their last available 15, Athlone will provide a formidable test for Galway.
They are not likely to find it much easier when they host a Peamount that sits third in the table and boast Hampden hero Áine O’ Gorman in their ranks. That game on the final day is expected to kick-off in Eamon Deacy Park on October 29 at 6pm.
