Soccer

Shelbourne and Wexford Youths advance to FAI Women’s Cup final

Murray’s superb strike helps Shels edge out Galway while Murphy’s brace proves key as Wexford oust holders Peamount 3-1

Wexford Youths’ Lynn Marie Grant is mobbed by team-mates after coring her side’s third goal in the FAI semi-final win over holders Peamount at Jackson Park. Photograph: Brian Reilly-Troy/Inpho

Sun Oct 10 2021 - 16:45

Shelbourne and Wexford Youths have qualified for the FAI Women's Cup final after wins over Galway United and defending champions Peamount respectively on Saturday.

This will be the third time that the two teams have qualified for the final, with Wexford edging a penalty shoot-out in 2015 before Shelbourne got revenge the following year with a 5-0 win.

A wonder goal settled a tight contest between Shelbourne and Galway at Tolka Park that could have either way, but Shelbourne held on to an early strike from Noelle Murray.

Julie-Ann Russell was sent off for Galway for two yellow cards collected in the second half but they remained in it until the end. Both sides were frustrated at times as they were unable to break the other down, but ultimately it came down to Murray’s brilliance.

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Cup holders Peamount started strong but Wexford really grew into the game with Kylie Murphy’s headed goal in the 35th minute giving them control of the momentum.

The hosts then piled the pressure on and almost from nothing, Áine O’Gorman scored in the 92nd minute to force extra-time.

It only took Murphy a couple of minutes to put Wexford back in front with Ellen Molloy providing the assist, and Lynn Marie Grant put them out of reach as the match finished 3-1.

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