Athlone Town women make history as they hold off Shelbourne challenge to win first League crown
Athlone Town had to beat Bohemians to ensure the Women's Premier Division title race didn't go down to the last day, and they did just that to spark jubilant scenes
Athlone Town made history at Dalymount Park tonight by winning their first-ever Women's Premier Division title.
After Shelbourne's 3-0 victory over Peamount earlier in the day, the midlanders knew that they had to beat Bohemians to secure the crown or the title race would go down to the final day next week.
Ciaran Kilduff's side held their nerve to claim a 2-0 victory to add to last season's first FAI Cup final triumph - and it sets up a big Cup final meeting with Shels on October 20.
READ MORE:Kate Mooney on keeping the WPD title race alive for Shelbourne against history-chasing Athlone Town
READ MORE:Difficult club v county choice paying off for Shauna Brennan as she closes in on double glory
Athlone are deserving champions on the back of a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions. They put themselves in the driving seat with two first half goals from Madison Gibson, the current SSE Airtricity Women's Player of the Month, and Kellie Brennan.
Gibson found the top corner with a brilliant effort as the half-hour mark approached and Brennan gave them that all-important cushion against an industrious and threatening Bohs side.
Brenda Tabe almost extended the lead as half-time approached, only to be denied a goal by Sarah Power, while the striker also saw a header hit the bar in the second half.
The Gypsies thought they had pulled a goal back when Athlone keeper Katie appeared to carry the ball over her goal-line, but it wasn't awarded as the midlanders saw the rest of the game out to secure the victory they wanted.
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