Athlone move a step closer to title with Wexford win

Following last Wednesday night's 2-1 win over Wexford, Athlone Town could clinch the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division title on Saturday night.

In order for Athlone to achieve that feat, they must hope that title rivals Galway United and Shelbourne share the points in their duel in Eamonn Deacy Park (live on TG4 from 4:45), and then beat Shamrock Rovers in their home game that kicks off at 7:30.

Table toppers Athlone are on 43 points, while Shelbourne sit second and Galway are in third - both on 38 points - with just three games left to play.

Even though both Athlone and Shelbourne already through to the Women's FAI Cup final, for this weekend their focus will be on the race for the league title.

Brenda Ebika Tabe hit two goals to keep Athlone's push for the title on course with a hard-fought victory over Wexford Youths at Ferrycarrig Park on Wednesday evening.

This was a fixture that originally had fallen foul of the weather, while the heavy rain throughout the day in the south east made for a greasy surface for this re-fixture.

Having gone into this fixture two points clear at the top from chasing Shelbourne and Galway Utd, the three points gained leaves Athlone with a five-point cushion going into their final sequence of games, and very much on course for the league and cup double.

Having scored a scrambled opening goal, Ebika Tabe struck again with the winner in the second half, getting on the end of a superb Madison Gibson cross to steer a header beyond the diving Jane Merren.

The Gibson and Ebika Tabe combination proved a major threat on the night, and it was their link-up play that led to the two goals, which could yet prove crucial in the destination of the title.

The pair were prominent in what was a composed display from Athlone, stamping their mark from the early attacks, as they continually tormented the home side's back four. Gibson's runs down the left and accurate crosses were a constant threat, while Ebika Tabe was a formidable presence in front of goal for it looked from the early minutes that it was only a matter of time when she would break the deadlock.

Ebika Tabe had a couple of efforts beaten away for corner kicks, while Wexford's first threat did not arrive until the 14th minute, when Ceola Bergin picked out Aine Walsh but her tame finish was capably dealt with by Athlone keeper Katie Keane.

As Athlone responded, Gibson cut down the left wing and whipped over a superb cross that home keeper Merren was happy to steer around the post for a corner kick, from which the midlanders took a deserved lead. Gibson whipped over the corner into the goalmouth and in a mad scramble, Ebika Tabe forced the ball over the line to give her side a 1-0 lead after 22 minutes.

Wexford were stung by this setback. They upped their game and within five minutes were back level. A superb left-footed rocket from Ciara Rossiter lifted home supporters as it left Keane helpless, finishing in the top right corner of the net making it 1-1 which is how it remained to the interval.

Athlone continued to press for the lead goal on the resumption with Katie Slevin, having shown fine control in a mazy run, sending over a cross that the inrushing Kellie Brennan fired over the top.

Wexford were struggling against their more composed opponents, though Grace Fitzpatrick-Ryan found herself with a chance in front of goal but blazed over the bar.

While both sides were moving the ball around at pace, it was Athlone who looked the more likely to grab a winner. And this arrived in the 62nd minute with Gibson once again turning provider. Having shown her pace down the left flank she whipped over a superb cross that Ebika Tabe guided into the opposite corner of the net with a header that left home keeper Merren helpless.

As the game moved into the closing stages, Wexford introduced a number of attackers in place of defenders to enable them to seek out an equaliser. Ciara Rossiter came close with another superb left-footed effort that Keane managed to control, while in additional time keeper Keane was happy to see a Teegan Lynch effort finish in her hands as they held out for a crucial three points.

Player of the match: Brenda Ebika Tabe showed that she is going to be crucial as her side continue to push towards the double. Madison Gibson was equally superb down the left flank. But it was Ebika Tabe who silenced the home crowd with two goals as she was clinical in front of goal.

Athlone Town: Katie Keane, Kellie Brennan, Kayleigh Shine, Jessi Rossman, Shauna Brennan, Kate Slevin, Laurie Ryan (captain), Roisin Molloy, Maddie Gibson, Isabel Ryan, Brenda Ebika Tabe. Subs used: Emily Burke for Ryan (59 mins); Hazel Donegan for Ebika Tabe (84).

Wexford FC: Jayne Merren, Meabh Russell, Della Doherty, Nicola Sinnott (captain), Abby Turnhill, Orlaith Conlon, Grace Fitzpatrick-Ryan, Aoibheann Clancy, Ciara Rossiter, Ceola Bergin, Aine Walsh. Subs used: Leah McGrath for Walsh (54 mins); Kylie Murphy for Fitzpatrick-Ryan (63); Teegan Lynch for Sinnott (75); Rianna Jarrett for Bergin (75).

Referee: Ian O'Keeffe.