Wexford Youths retain Women’s FAI Cup in Dublin

Wexford Youths retained the Women’s FAI Cup in Dublin

Wexford Youths defeated league champions Peamount United 3-2 in front of a lowly 2,000 fans in the 50,000 capacity Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

It was a shame that only 2,000 fans were enticed out to watch an exciting five-goal thriller in the Republic of Ireland’s Women’s Cup Final. The FAI’s decision to hold both the women’s and men’s finals on the same day in the same stadium didn’t appear to do much to help boost the attendance numbers for the women’s final, which kicked off at midday, 3.5 hours earlier than the men’s final just after midday.

Wexford enjoyed the perfect start to the game as they took the lead in the third minute thanks to a clever finish from Lauren Kelly. Peamount made it 1-1 thanks to Karen Duggan’s long range strike before Wexford were back in front through Kelly again.

Photo: Stephen Gormley (Red Eye Photo Agency)

At the start of the second half the Dublin side came out determined to give Wexford Youth’s a real game, and in the 52nd minute Ryan-Doyle hit a speculative effort from well outside the box. Wexford keeper Ciamh Dolland was just off her line and was beaten by the height of the shot and not being able to get a strong enough hand on the ball to stop it going into the net to level the match.

Momentum stayed with the Dublin side who went in search of the third with Ryan-Doyle connected with a great cross from Farrelly, the striker just unable to guide her header on target. But goal number five in the game would come from the Wexford team and see them take the lead for the third time in the game. A goal made by Rianna Jarrett who played the perfect pass to her captain Kylie Murphy who kept her composure to slot the ball low past Reid-Burke.

There where chances at both ends and Peamount pushed on in search of a third goal to take the match into extra time. Wexford, however, held on for their win, sparking great celebrations on the pitch as the final whistle blew.