Shelbourne FC has successfully defended their FAI Women’s Cup title with a remarkable comeback victory over DLR Waves. In other quarter-final matches, Sligo Rovers and Athlone Town also secured their spots in the semi-finals.
Athlone Town, last year’s finalists, emerged victorious after a thrilling penalty shootout against Peamount United, the league leaders and 2020 champions. The match ended in a goalless draw after 120 minutes of play, leading to a tense shootout. Athlone’s goalkeeper, Katie Keane, became the hero as she denied Chloe Moloney in sudden death, securing Athlone’s progression to the next round.
Meanwhile, Shelbourne, fresh from their Champions League campaign, rallied to claim a 2-1 victory over DLR Waves at Tolka Park. Despite DLR Waves taking an early lead through Freya Roche, Shelbourne’s Megan Smyth-Lynch leveled the score before half-time. DLR Waves had a chance to regain the lead with a penalty, but Michelle Doonan failed to convert. Shelbourne capitalized on their dominance in the second half, with Morgan Rees securing the winning goal in the 65th minute.
In another quarter-final clash, Sligo Rovers achieved an impressive away victory against Bohemians, winning 1-0 at Dalymount Park. Jodie Loughrey and Emma Hansberry combined effectively to score the decisive goal in the 77th minute. This result comes as a significant confidence boost for Sligo Rovers, who had previously suffered two defeats to Bohemians this season.
The remaining quarter-final between Cork City and Shamrock Rovers will take place tomorrow at Bishopstown Stadium, following a venue switch due to pitch maintenance at Turner’s Cross. The match is set to kick off at 2pm.
In international news, Amber Barrett, an Irish striker, found the back of the net once again during Standard Liege’s 2-1 victory over RSC Anderlecht in Belgium. Claire O’Riordan, another Irish player, also featured for Standard Liege. With four games played, Standard Liege currently sits second in the standings behind Oud-Heverlee Leuven on goal difference.
Looking ahead, Eileen Gleeson’s Irish national team squad includes both Amber Barrett and Claire O’Riordan for the upcoming Nations League double-header matches against Northern Ireland and Hungary.
This exciting round of matches showcases the competitiveness and talent within the FAI Women’s Cup, with defending champions Shelbourne FC, Sligo Rovers, and Athlone Town advancing to the semi-finals. Football fans can eagerly anticipate the upcoming clashes as these teams vie for the coveted cup title.
