It is the result so far of this season's Continental Tyres Women's National League. Galway WFC pulled off a surprise upset, defeating leaders UCD Waves for the first time in the league. And now they must do it all again when the two sides meet in the League Cup in Drom on Sunday (2pm ).
Worthy 1-0 winners in Jackson Park, Kilternan, Galway will have gained huge confidence from this victory.
Manager Billy Clery says the team is now hoping for big home support this Sunday.
"The girls put in an amazing shift, working hard and grafting hard, limiting UCD to just a few chances. They got their just rewards in the end through Sinead Taylor. The girls were outstanding absolutely every one of them. I’m delighted with the result and look forward to having a big crowd in Drom this Sunday for the League Cup.”
Waves started the stronger and pressed Galway high up the pitch, but the visitors coped well with the pressure. With 25 minutes gone Galway looked to have taken the lead when, on a counter attack, Sinead Taylor played in Sadhbh Doyle, who finished under the advancing Brook Dunne, only for it to be ruled out for offside.
Waves pressed again, but were wasteful in front of goal and they were made to pay with the game in first-half stoppage time. Lisa Casserly gathered the ball on the left wing and skilfully worked infield before finding Taylor on the edge of the box. With her back to goal, a sublime first touch with her left saw her control the ball, turn and finish with her right.
In the second half UCD continued to press, but Clery had his side well organised and they defended with commitment and resolve. Before the end Galway had a couple of good chances to double their lead - first on 77 minutes when Tessa Mullins got on the end of a Casserly free kick to head narrowly wide. Then in the final minute of normal time, Casserly gathered the ball on the left from a throw in, and after a smart turn she went past three defenders before squaring for Shaunagh Jackson, but she was unable to find the target.
Galway WFC: Tina Hughes; Alina Cheatham, Jenny Byrne, Shauna Fox, Rachel Baynes; Tessa Mullins (Aoife Brennan ), Lynsey McKey, Sadhbh Doyle, Méabh De Búrca, Lisa Casserly; Sinead Taylor (Shanagh Jackson ). Subs Not Used: Louise Creaven, Aoife Walsh, Grainne Barrett, Jenny Chambers, Keara Cormican.
