Roisin Molloy Athlone Town and Leah Doyle Shelbourne pictured during the recent league meeting of Athlone Town and Shelbourne in Lissywollen. Photo Paul Molloy.

Athlone Town face Shels in Premier Division top of the table clash

Ronan Fagan

Published: Thu 25 Sep 2025, 4:13 PM

Athlone Town can take a giant step towards retaining their SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division title when they play second placed Shelbourne on Saturday evening (kick-off, 4.30pm).

Athlone make the journey to Tolka Park Dublin for the all-important league clash knowing that if they avoid defeat they will retain pole position on the league table with three games remaining to play.

As it stands, Athlone Town hold a one point lead over their Dublin rivals and have played one game less than Saturday's opponents.

Athlone have won their last four league outings, including a recent victory over Shelbourne, when goals from Natalie McNally and Kelly Brady, secured a vital 2-1 win in the team's quest for league retention glory.

Shelbourne's cause was not aided by a red card issued to Jemma Quinn with a quarter of the contest remaining.

Despite the end of their European campaign, John Sullivan's charges swiftly returned to league winning ways last weekend when a brace of goals from Kelly Brady and a strike from Maddie Gibson earned Athlone Town a hard earned victory over DLR Waves at Lissywollen.

Following this weekend's top of the table clash, Athlone play two away league fixtures against Cork City and Peamount United before completing their Premier Division campaign at home to Sligo Rovers.

The game will be televised live on TG4.