WNL Cup Report: Cork City Women 1 - 2 Wexford Youths

Dylan O'Connell reports from Bishopstown

A last-gasp winner from substitute Claire O’Riordan saw Wexford Youths see off Cork City Woman at Bishopstown on Sunday afternoon.

Youths came from 1-0 down to see off the Rebel Army to progress into the semi-finals of the FAI Woman’s League Cup.

In a tested opening for both teams, City dominated the play but found little openings in a disciplined Wexford line.

City’s pressure was almost rewarded when a corner from captain Ciara McNamara caused havoc in the box, with Ciamh Dollard fumbling the ball in a moment of confusion, but the Youths keeper pounced and prevented any real danger.

Wexford responded well from the kick out, with Rianna Jarrett cutting inside from outside the area, to release a testing shot for Amanda Budden in goal; with the Irish international to palm the ball away from cover.

Revitalized, Wexford piled on the pressure with Jarrett commanding the play on the edge of the area, but an experienced combination of McNamara and Duncliffee kept Wexford confined to the edges.

City’s persistence was rewarded on the half-hour mark as Michelle O’Driscoll charged through the Wexford line and one-on-one with Dollard to slot firmly into the back of the net.

Wexford, within seconds of the restart, were gifted an opportunity when a poor clearance from Budden dropped to Jarret, who rounded the keeper and fired onto target, but O’Driscoll came up with a vital clearance for City.

This wasn’t the Youths' only chance to level before the break, as Jarrett was once again involved, set up Ashling Frawley, but her shot landed straight into the hands of Budden in goal.

Wexford, re-energised from the half time break, where handed another chance for an equalizer as a quick-footed Jarrett once more got past the City midfield and stung the palms of Budden with an audacious curling shot from outside the box.

Pressing from Aoibheann Webb saw Jarrett shoot and force a corner. Webb, taking her time and calming the energy, swung deep into the area for Orla Casey who, with a bullet of a header, beat Budden to level the tie.

Both sides battled for control of the midfield in the second half. Saoirse Noonan had a curling effort gathered by Dollard, while Frawley crossed for Claire O’Riordan, but the substitute's shot was fumbled wide.

Chances were slim between the sides, with runs from Claire Shine counting to nothing, and both sides resorted to falling back in an effort to establish control on the play.

With the game drifting towards extra time, calm heads prevailed in extra time as a poor clearance from the City defence gifted an unmarked Claire O’Riordan an opportunity.

She cooly fired low past the gathering defense to make it to make it 2-1 with seconds remaining.

Cup heart break for City but for Youths it is another step towards cup success with the side hoping to add more silverware following last year’s league title success.

Cork City: Amanda Budden; Courtney O’Keefee (Amy Cormack 64), Maggie Duncliffe, Ciara McNamara, Natalie O’Brien, Danielle Burke, Kate O’Donovan, Saoirse Noonan, Michelle O’Driscoll (Danielle Sheehy 67), Eadaoin Lyons (Claire Shine 60), Christina Dring.

Subs not used: Eve Badana, Mary Barrett.

Wexford Youths: Ciamh Dollard; Ciara Delaney (Edel Kennedy 45), Nicola Sinnot, Lauren Dwyer, Orlaith Conlon; Becky Cassin, Orla Casey (Claire O’Riordan 67), Aoibhin Webb (Ann Walsh 81), Becky Conroy, Ashling Frawley; Rianna Jarrett.

Subs not used: Sophie Lenahan, Catriona Parrock, Chonagtt Ni Stti, Rachel Hutchinson.

Referee: Jason Mannix.

Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Rianna Jarrett (Wexford Youths).