Waterford 3 Treaty United 2
They say that 2-0 is the most dangerous lead in football. They would be right. Chloe Atkinson’s 87th-minute headed goal completed a stunning Waterford comeback to snatch all three points from Treaty United in the final game of the season.
It seemed an improbable outcome after 54 minutes, when Madison McGuane put Treaty ahead by two from the spot. Her midfield partner, Isabella Flocchini, also got on the scoresheet just before the 30-minute mark, following a miscommunication in possession from the Waterford defence, which she capitalised on.
The comeback was kicked off by Meadhbh Doherty who clawed the first goal back in the 76th minute, in similar fashion to Atkinson’s winner. Just three minutes later, Fianna Bradley who shined for the hosts throughout, found herself in a central position outside the box, and drove the ball past Ruby Linnane to level affairs.
In what was just their second corner of the match, Bradley found Atkinson, who steered her header into the net, to send the RSC into pandemonium, and break Treaty United hearts.
The visitors came to the Viking city off the back of hiring new manager Laurie Ryan, the former Athlone Town captain, who is set to take the reins for the 2026 season.
Treaty dominated proceedings for a large part of the game, and set their stall with a plethora of chances in the 1st half. McGuane’s effort after four minutes was retrieved easily by Maeve Williams. This was followed by another chance from Katie Lawlee, whose promising run was well-defended by Lauren Walsh.
Waterford’s first opportunity came from Isabel Walsh’s long-ranged effort which left Linnane scrambling across the goal-line, but it drifted just to the left and wide. In reality, it was the host’s best chance of the 1st half, with the remaining 35 minutes dominated by Treaty.
A lofted free-kick from McGuane was handled well by Williams, and she came to the rescue again saving Flocchini’s low-shot from Cara Griffin’s cross.
The goal seemed inevitable for the visitors at this stage, and when Laura O’Neill’s headed effort clipped the crossbar, they smelt blood. Treaty’s press on the Waterford defence was rewarded in the 29th minute, with Flocchini taking full advantage of possession being coughed up.
The No.8 made no mistake in front of the posts, for her 13th goal of the season. She had an opportunity to double her tally just after the break but Williams was on hand for the stop.
Treaty did not have to wait too much longer for to further their advantage with Griffin dragged down inside the area by Doherty in the 54th minute. McGuane has scored three from the spot throughout the season and added on one more, slotting it into the bottom left, sending Williams the wrong way.
Advantage doubled. Advantage deserved.
However, Waterford didn’t give in, and a flurry of chances followed. Two speculative efforts outside the box preluded the host’s best prospect of the game with Mia Lenihan testing Linnane from close range.
A fantastic cross from Fianna Bradley to Chloe Atkinson presented another huge opportunity for the hosts, yet Linnane and Mara McCleary combined well to clear their lines.
It was here that Treaty United made a triple substitution, with Lawlee, McGuane, and Griffin making way. A decision that interim manager Dave Rooney will likely regret. What came after, was a spectacular 15 minutes of football from Waterford who scored almost immediately, clocking on two more before the full-time whistle to secure a famous final day victory.
Waterford: Maeve Williams, Jessica Lawler, Lauren Walsh, Chloe Atkinson, Orla Hickey, Mia Lenihan, Fianna Bradley, Sophie Slattery, Meadhbh Doherty, Keira Burke, Isabel Walsh. Subs: Stephanie Dumevi for K Burke (65), Olivia Shannon for Mia Lenihan (83).
Treaty United: Ruby Linnane, Grace McInerney, Ayaka Ikeza, Mara McCleary, Cara Griffin, Isabella Marie Flocchini, Madison McGuane, Katie Lawlee, Clodagh Daly, Jillie O’Toole, Laura O’Neill. Subs: Madelyn Robbins for L O’Neill (61), Gillian Keenan for K Lawlee, Kate O’Donovan for M McGuane, Anna Dignam for C Griffin (all 74).
Referee: Ian O’Keeffe