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Raheny's Seana Cooke scored their fourth yesterday. INPHO/Ryan Byrne
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WNL round-up: Defeat for Castlebar on an emotional return

There were wins for Raheny United, DLR Waves and Wexford Youths during the first round of fixtures in 2013.

CASTLEBAR CELTIC PLAYED their first Bus Éireann Women’s National League game since the tragic death of club stalwart Jeremy Dee today but unfortunately they suffered a home defeat to DLR Waves.

A gritty performance from DLR Waves ensured they caused a mild surprise defeating Castlebar at Celtic Park in an emotional afternoon for the home side.

Celtic took a 24th minute lead courtesy of Sara McGeough, but that was quickly cancelled out by a  Niamh Connolly strike.

The match was delicately poised, but it was DLR Waves who seized the initiative when Caroline Healy netted what turned out to be the winner in the 52nd minute.

Meanwhile, Raheny United who now sit proudly joint top of the table alongside Peamount United following a comprehensive win over Shamrock Rovers.

Under new manager Sean Byrne, Raheny were always in control at Morton Stadium making a dream start as the excellent Noelle Murray bagged a brace inside 10 minutes.

Within 90 seconds Raheny had hit the front when Murray converted a Katie McCabe cross as hesitant Rovers defending was punished.

Murray doubled United’s advantage moments later when heading home a Siobhan Killeen delivery with admirable composure.

In the 24th minute Killeen turned from provider to scorer ending a delightful run with Raheny’s third goal of the half.

After the restart Lisa Murphy missed a penalty for the visitors before Seana Cooke sealed the deal with Raheny’s fourth on 64.

Wexford Youths pair Rianna Jarrett and Edel Kennedy. Credit: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Elsewhere, Wexford Youths summoned an effective display to secure all three points against Cork Women’s FC at Ferrycarrig Park.

Rianna Jarrett, the star of Wexford’s campaign so far, nudged them ahead in the 17th minute and from then on it was keenly contested.

Cork had opportunities, but Wexford stayed calm with Edel Kennedy’s last minute goal decorating their success.

Results:

  • Raheny United 4 Shamrock Rovers 0
  • Castlebar Celtic 1 DLR Waves 2
  • Wexford Youths 2 Cork Women’s FC 0

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