WNL Cup Report: Shelbourne Ladies 4 - 2 Wexford Youths Women

Shelbourne Ladies produced an excellent performance to end Wexford's ambitions of a domestic quadruple with a 4-2 victory at Tolka Park on Wednesday evening.

An early strike from Leanne Kiernan and a Noelle Murray hat-trick ensured Shelbourne advance to the Women’s National League Cup final where they will meet UCD Waves on Sunday, May 15^th.

The home side opened the scoring after just three minutes when Kiernan raced onto a through ball down the right wing. The forward then cut inside the defender before firing under Tamara Furlong.

As Youths continued to struggle to find a footing in the game, Murray was next to try her luck, but she could only blaze over the crossbar from distance. Moments later, Pearl Slattery headed a Rebecca Creagh free-kick straight at the Wexford shot-stopper.

Shelbourne doubled their advantage in the 17^th minute when Murray raced onto a through ball from Creagh before slotting home past the Wexford keeper.

Soon after, with the home side in complete control, Kiernan had another effort for the Reds. A good knockdown from Creagh found the Ireland underage international who could only fire over from the edge of the box.

As the home side continued to create opportunities Creagh will feel she should have scored when she rose highest to meet a Siobhan Killeen corner, however, the midfielder could only direct her effort at the keeper.

Youths had their first chance of the half from distance, but Emma Hansberry failed to find the target, her effort sailing high over Amanda McQuillan’s crossbar.

Moments after Hansberry’s long range effort, Shels winger Killeen forced the keeper into a good save before the resulting corner cannoned off the woodwork.

Shelbourne did extend their advantage soon after Killeen's effort, a long range strike from Murray appearing to deceive the goalkeeper who let the ball bounce before it found its way into the back of the net.

With half-time fast approaching, Hansberry delivered a wicked low cross across the six yard box and her delivery caused confusion amongst the Shels defenders, however, she was disappointed to see none of her teammates making a run across goal.

When the sides resumed after the half-time break, Shelbourne continued to press forward and were almost gifted a fourth goal when Nicola Sinnott's attempted clearance went the wrong side of the goals.

Soon after, Shelbourne had another excellent opportunity to extend their lead. A counter attacking from a Youth's corner saw the ball was played forward, however, Killeen and Murray appeared to hesitate before Killeen fired wide from the edge of the box.

Shelbourne did make it 4-0 just three minutes later after the home side were awarded a penalty. Murray’s initial effort was saved by Furling, however, referee Paula Brady ordered a retake for encroachment and the forward made no mistake send Furlong the wrong way to complete her hat-trick.

Despite falling 4-0 behind, Youths responded instantly when half-time substitute Aoibhin Webb fired home from close range. With 16 minutes remaining, Youths grabbed a second after a long range strike from Hansberry as the visitors looked to stage a comeback.

In the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time Youth’s skipper Kylie Murphy thought she had scored her side’s third goal after her headed effort from close range, however referee Paula Brady ruled the ball had not crossed the line and waved play on.

Brady blew the final whistle moments later to signal the end of Wexford Youths' 18-game domestic unbeaten run.

Shelbourne Ladies: Amanda McQuillan; Keeva Keenan, Niamh Walsh, Pearl Slattery (c), Dearbhaile Beirne (Annie Timoney 90+4) ; Siobhan Killeen, Rachel Graham, Rebecca Creagh (Megan Lynch 90+1), Sophie Watters; Leanne Kiernan, Noelle Murray.

Subs Not Used: Niamh Reid Burke, Niamh Barnes.

Booked: Siobhan Killeen (62), Pearl Slattery (71), Keeva Keenan (85), Rebecca Creagh (88).

Wexford Youths: Tamara Furlong; Nicola Sinnott,, Ruth Fahy, Orlaith Nolan, Linda Douglas; Aisling Frawley, Becky Cassin (Aoibhin Webb HT), Edel Kennedy, Kylie Murphy, Emma Hansberry; Claire O’Riordan.

Subs Not Used: Shauna Wall, Jessica Gleeson, Rachel hutchinson, Amy Walsh, Megan Whittle.

Booked: Orlaith Conlon (57), Edel Kennedy (88).

Referee: Paula Brady.

Attendance: 155 (estimate).

Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Noelle Murray (Shelbourne Ladies).

Listen to post match reaction from hat-trick her Noelle Murray click here and Youth manager Will Doyle click here. 

You can see Michael P Ryan's photos from the game here.