Raheny United 4 - 2 Peamount United
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Raheny United took a big step toward to retaining their FAI Umbro Women’s Cup crown with a convincing victory over Peamount United.
Bus Eireann National League golden girl Sara Lawlor’s two first half strikes weren’t enough for the Peas who succumbed to a second half Raheny onslaught.
Raheny started brighter immediately unsettling the Peamount defence, with only four minutes on the clock Siobhan Killen broke through only for her shot to slide wide.
Two minutes later Sinead O’Farrelly gave the hosts the lead curling her effort in from the left side of the penalty area past Monica McGurik.
The Peas immediately sprang to life, Aine O’Gorman’s run and long range effort had Niamh Reid Burke at full stretch to keep the peas out.
Peamount took control of the play with Stephanie Roche playing Lawlor in behind the Raheny defence, Lawlor making no mistake to level it up on 13 minutes.
The hosts looked to get back in front from the restart first with Noelle Murray connecting with Rebecca Creagh cross flashing wide of the post.
60 seconds later, last ditch tackling in the Pea’s defence by Karen Duggan and Jessie Corr kept Siobhan Killeen giving Raheny the lead.
Sara Lawlor gave Peamount the lead on 23 minutes, cutting inside the Raheny rear-guard and curling it high in the net.
Peamount took a foot hold in the game and Kerrie Ryan’s weak back pass was intercepted by Lawlor, only for the quick reacting Raheny stopper to gather at Lawlor’s feet.
Chances came and went for both before the break with Rebecca Creagh’s free hitting the side of the post and Sara Lawlor’s chipped effort just over the bar.
Raheny levelled it up two minutes after the interval with Rebecca Creagh effort flying past Monica McGuirk. The goal set the tempo for the champions to dominate.
Raheny took the lead nine minutes later, Noelle Murray was provider as her free kick was glanced home by Pearl Slattery at the back post.
The Peas failed to recover from the Raheny strike and for all their pressing including four second half corners, never tested Niamh Reid Burke.
Siobhan Killeen came close to making four when substitute Claire Shine’s cross was flicked onto the post on 80 minutes.
With the game in stoppage time Clare Shine was brought down in the box by Peas keeper Monica McGurik.
Rebecca Creagh despatched the penalty once referee Adam Conroy had shown the red card to McGuirk and send Raheny to the semi-final stage.
Raheny United: Niamh Reid Burke, Seana Cooke, Rachel Graham, Kerrie Ryan, Sinead O’Farrelly, Ciara Grant, Caroline Thorpe, Pearl Slattery, Siobhan Killeen, Rebecca Creagh, Noelle Murray
Subs: Mary Walderon for Caroline Thorpe 68” & Clare Shine for Rachel Graham 75”
Subs not used: Niamh Walsh, Laura Ryan, Catherine Cronin, Grace McAuley Ryan, Kate Flood.
Peamount United: Monica McGuirk, Rebecca Carroll, Karen Duggan, Susan Byrne, Jessie Corr, Jetta Borrill, Emma Donohoe, Aine O’Gorman, Julie Ann Russell, Stephenie Roche, Sara Lawlor
Subs: Chloe Mustaki for Jessie Corr 47”
Subs Not Used: Emily Chaill, Ruth Comerford, Clare Kinsella, Grace Murray, Sarah Devlin.
Referee: Adam Conroy (Dublin)
