It was an historic day for Irish football as Peamount United produced another brilliant attacking performance to beat Finnish side Parnu 5-1 this evening.

The win sees Peamount advance to the last 32 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League in their debut season in the competition.

First Half Magic

Rachel Jenkins gave Peas the lead after five minutes with her first goal of the competition, before Sara Lawlor scored her third and fourth in the 30th and 33rd minutes.

Olga Ivanova brought Parnu back into the match with her 56th minute goal, but Stephanie Roche’s brace- with goals in the 80th and 92nd minute- made sure that Peamount went away with the win.

First losing to Spanish professional side Rayo Vallecano (1-0) before beating Slovenian side ZNK Krka 7-0 at home, Peamount go through as second seeds from group three. Only the best two runners-up from all the groups go through, meaning that Peamount had to rely on goal difference for their progression.

For a time it looked as if other results might consign them to just a second-placed finish in the group, but Eileen Gleeson’s side can now look forward to the draw for the round of 32.

Peamount’s progress means that they are the first Irish club, male or female, to go past the first round of the Champions League.

Parnu:Elis Meetua (c); Kaire Palmaru, Heleri Saar, Andra Karpin [Lea Saapar ’35], Anete Paulus; Anastassia Morkovkina, Liisa Lilleste [Varje Tugim ’46], Grete Ojala, Liis Ude; Olga Ivanova, Anastasija Rovane.
Subs Not Used: Liivi Sormus, Berle Brant, Katlin Hobermagi, Marve Markson, Saskia Sonnberg.

Peamount United:Linda Meehan; Nicola Sinnott, Grace Murray, Susan Byrne [Amanda Parkes ’62], Rachel Jenkins; Louise Quinn (c), Wendie McGlone [Julie Russell ’71], Sara Lawlor, Karen Duggan, Stephanie Roche; Denise O’Sullivan.
Subs Not Used: Sarah Finnerty, Emma Donohoe, Ruth Comerford, Claire Walsh, Cathriona Dunne.

Referee: Gordana Kuzmanovi? (Serbia)

By Niall Farrell

Niall Farrell is our correspondent at Tolka Park, covering the goings-on at Shelbourne. You can visit Niall’s website for further information and contact details- niallf.net