Raheny United 4 - 0 Cork Women's FC

In a league which has now become known for high scorelines, Raheny United kept up the trend with a 4-0 win over Cork tonight in Morton Stadium. The northsiders now advance to the semi-finals of the League Cup after knocking their opponents out in the very first match of the competition.

A brace from 16 year-old forward Katie McCabe and one each from Mary Waldron and Seana Cooke won the match for Raheny. Waldron struck first and early, scoring her fourth goal in two matches after just eight minutes. 

Siobhan Killeen crossed into the Cork box, where two Raheny players were completely unmarked. Waldron got to the ball first and poked the ball past the helpless Amanda Budden. Playing a more free-flowing 4-3-3 formation at the start, Raheny immediately looked like a side hungry for a big win. 

Raheny were made work hard for their second goal though. Cork weren't really able to get forward too much, but when they did they lacked a cutting edge. Their main attacking outlet- Denise O'Sullivan- was well marked by Raheny. Katie McCabe missed a sitter on 32 minutes- scuffing a shot right in front of goal after a Raheny free- but atoned for it minutes later with her first goal. 

McCabe struck after being played through by Rebecca Creagh to send Raheny into the break with a commanding lead. Cork didn't really come out with any fresh ideas, and the introduction of Sandra Mulhall and Megan Campbell at half-time for Raheny was  a good tactical move by Ger McDermott. 

Mulhall gave Raheny a bit more impact down the wing, which meant that they were able to penetrate the Cork defence more often in the second half. Amanda Budden saved brilliantly to deny Mary Waldron, and Raheny had two claims for penalties turned down.

Cork were able to create a few chances, the best of which came after 56 minutes. Lynsey McKey was in loads of space in front of goal but shot limply right into the arms of Nicole Cranny, after a fine attacking move spurred on by Denise O'Sullivan. 

The hosts put the result of the match beyond any doubt with a double salvo of goals between the 63rd and 66th minutes. First, Seana Cooke capped a fine performance with a bullet header. The ball was drafted in from a free-kick, leaving Cooke to head it into the right-hand corner. 

Then, Katie McCabe cemented her player-of-the-match performance with her second goal. The under-17 international smashed the ball into a gaping net after Cork failed to clear the ball away. Mary Waldron had tried to stab the ball in, but when it came to McCabe she made no mistake with it. 

Playing in front of a larger-than-normal crowd, Raheny held on for an impressive win and will nw be confident of a place in the first-ever Women's National League Cup final. 

Raheny United: Nicole Cranny; Becky Walsh, Elaine Murray, Kate Flood, Seana Cooke [Rachel Graham '67]; Christina Byrne, Catherine Cronin [Sandra Mulhall HT], Rebecca Creagh; Siobhan Killeen [Megan Campbell HT], Mary Waldron, Katie McCabe. SUBS NOT USED: Niamh Reid Burke, Ciara Grant, Joan Daly.

Cork: Amanda Budden; Mary Barrett, Susan Donovan, Emma Farmer, Claudia Hudner [Orla Barry '78]; Sylvia Gee. Lynsey McKey, Erica O'Sullivan [Laura Lynch '70]; Marie Curtin [Lauren Murphy '19], Denise O'Sullivan. SUBS NOT USED: Amy McCarthy, Katie McCarthy, Claire Shine.

Attendance: 70 (unofficial estimate) 

Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Katie McCabe