Mooney off the mark just in time for Shels
Every goal will be significant for Shelbourne as they continue their chase for a fourth SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division title.
However, the fact that Kate Mooney got her first for the club since rejoining from Hearts is welcome news as an in-form goalscorer is exactly what they need in their pursuit of silverware.
Mooney's headed goal in the 1-1 draw away to Bohemians showed a good sense of positioning, perfect timing and excellent execution. It is what the agile forward can provide once she gets the right kind of service.
Shels have netted the second-highest amount of goals (26) and have the most amount of goalscorers (15), but their top finisher is defender Pearl Slattery. So having Mooney get her confidence in front of the opposition goal is very much needed.
There is no doubt that The Reds can score all kinds of goals, but having Mooney lead the line in the No 9 role can alter their approach for the run-in - that includes games against Treaty United, Sligo Rovers, Galway United, Peamount United and Shamrock Rovers.
Mooney is back in the League following stops at Lewes in England and with Hearts in Scotland. Before that the Baldoyle native featured in the League for Peamount United and DLR Waves, but it all started in the youth ranks with Shels. In a way, she has returned home and will feel that she has a point to prove.
The 25-year-old possesses a lot of the traits required to be the forward that Head Coach Eoin Wearen needs her to be. She has superb movement off the ball, she can protect the ball and use her body well as a shield, she can link play with her short passing and she can score with both feet as well as with her head.
If Mooney can strike up an understanding with the majestic Noelle Murray then it prove just prove to be the recipe for success. Murray is one of the best playmakers around so she will be able to slide passes through for Mooney and then it's up to her to apply the finish.
Shels currently sit two points behind Athlone Town - who hold a game in hand - so every fixture counts now. There are 15 points up for grabs and Shels need goals in order to claim those. Mooney could be the answer to it all.
