Contrasting styles to influence Women’s Premier Division title race
The 2025 Women’s Premier Division is entering its decisive stage, yet the real title fight is only just beginning. That is because league leaders Athlone Town and second-placed Shelbourne have not yet faced one another this season due to an earlier postponement. All of that will change this weekend as the two dominant teams in recent years meet in the Midlands, with both sides separated by just two points and holding a game in hand over the rest of the division.
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Two Teams Setting the Standard
Over the last four seasons, Athlone and Shelbourne have been far ahead of the chasing pack, collecting 26 more points than any other team. They have also met in the last three FAI Cup finals, with two of those going to Shelbourne and one to Athlone. Last year’s head-to-head meetings proved crucial, as Athlone earned four points from two games and won the league by just two points. Late goals played a decisive role, including a 93rd-minute equaliser and an 87th-minute winner.
Different Routes to Success
This season has seen both clubs follow similar runs of form. They each dropped points in the opening two weeks and then went on nine-match winning streaks to establish themselves as clear front-runners. Both runs ended in mid-July, and since then, Shelbourne have held a narrow lead at the top. However, their success this season has been built in very different ways.
Shelbourne’s Free-Scoring Approach
Shelbourne have been ruthless in front of goal in 2025. After struggling to score regularly last season, the Reds have already hit 47 goals in just 14 games. The mid-season arrival of Kate Mooney completely transformed their attack, and she has scored 11 goals from just 34 shots. MacKenzie Anthony has added another nine, making Shels the highest-scoring team in the league by some distance. Their current scoring rate of 3.36 goals per game is one of the best in recent years, although history shows the league’s top scorers do not always become champions.
Athlone’s Defensive Excellence
Athlone, by contrast, have been winning games with outstanding defensive solidity. Despite losing key defenders during the off-season, they have conceded only six goals in 14 matches, at a rate of just 0.43 per game. That puts them on course to break the league record for the best defensive season. Goalkeepers Megan Plaschko and Maria Matthaiou have nine clean sheets between them, while Kelly Brady leads the scoring charts with 12 goals.
Key Battles to Watch
The absence of Kate Mooney for Shelbourne could have a major impact on Saturday’s game, placing more pressure on MacKenzie Anthony to deliver against a very strong Athlone defence. Meanwhile, Athlone have struggled slightly in recent weeks, scoring just six goals in their last four games. Shelbourne have also had issues defensively, going six matches without a clean sheet against top-seven opposition until a recent 2-0 win over Cork City.
A Clash That Could Decide the Title
Saturday’s encounter promises to be a classic battle between an unstoppable attack and a rigid defence. Both teams remain well ahead of the rest of the division, but individual battles across the pitch will likely determine which of these two giants takes control of the title race.
