Shock result gives Athlone major boost in defence of women's title

Athlone Town women received a major boost in its bid to retain the League of Ireland Premier Division title when second-placed Galway Utd were surprisingly defeated, 1-0, by struggling Bohemians at Dalymount Park on last night (Tuesday).

A 90th-minute goal by Savannah Kane sealed the win after Galway's Remini Tillotson was sent-off in the 54th minute. It was only Bohemians second league victory of the season.

Galway had a chance to leapfrog Athlone at the top of the table with victory, as this was the westerners' game in hand. However, the defeat gives Athlone a two-point cushion with ten matches remaining in the league.

Third-placed Shelbourne, themselves perennial title challengers, cannot be ruled out either, as they sit six points off Athlone.

This weekend, Athlone travels to Wexford on Saturday. Galway face a testing trip to Sligo Rovers while Shelbourne will host Peamount.

Athlone have been drawn against Galway in the semi-finals of the FAI Cup - see here for more details.