Peamount Utd Women Crush Lisburn Rangers in Friendly Rout

Peamount Utd Women delivered a scintillating performance in an International Club Friendly on 31 May 2026, demolishing Lisburn Rangers (W) by a 6-1 scoreline. The match, held at the Peamount Stadium, served as an ideal preparation for both sides ahead of their respective domestic campaigns, with the home side showcasing their attacking firepower.

Match Overview

From the very first minute, Peamount Utd imposed their will, pressing high and moving the ball with pace and precision. A hat-trick from star forward Ciara O'Sullivan highlighted a comprehensive performance. O'Sullivan opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a curling effort from outside the box, and added two more in the second half to seal a memorable display.

Lisburn Rangers struggled to contain Peamount's fluid attacking movements. Winger Megan Byrne caused constant problems down the right flank, notching two assists and a goal of her own. The visitors' lone consolation came from a penalty in the 74th minute, converted by Rachel Thompson, but by then the match was long decided.

Key Moments

• 8' Goal (1-0): Ciara O'Sullivan fires a stunning strike into the top corner from 25 yards.
• 22' Goal (2-0): Megan Byrne beats her defender and slots home after a quick one-two with O'Sullivan.
• 38' Goal (3-0): O'Sullivan completes her first-half brace with a poacher's finish from close range.
• 55' Goal (4-0): Substitute Aoife Kelly heads in a corner to make it four.
• 68' Goal (5-0): O'Sullivan latches onto a through-ball and calmly rounds the goalkeeper for her hat-trick.
• 74' Penalty (5-1): Rachel Thompson converts from the spot after a handball in the box.
• 81' Goal (6-1): Midfielder Sarah Doyle adds the final goal with a low drive from the edge of the area.

Performance Analysis

Peamount Utd's pressing game forced Lisburn Rangers into multiple errors in possession. The home side registered 22 shots on goal, compared to the visitors' four. The midfield trio of Doyle, Roisin Murphy, and Claire Walsh controlled the tempo, giving the forwards constant supply. Coach Michael O'Brien praised his team's intensity and finishing.

Lisburn Rangers, meanwhile, will take positives from their second-half resilience, particularly after the penalty. However, the defensive lapses in the first 45 minutes highlighted areas for improvement ahead of their league opener. Manager Sarah Jenkins noted that the friendly against such a strong opponent was invaluable preparation.

Looking Ahead

For Peamount Utd Women, this result extends their unbeaten run in pre-season friendlies to four matches. They now turn their attention to a key domestic cup tie next weekend. Lisburn Rangers will aim to tighten up at the back before their championship campaign begins in two weeks. The match also served as a showcase for individual talent, with O'Sullivan's hat-trick likely catching the eye of national team selectors.