FAI Women's Cup Report: Galway 1 - 0 DLR Waves

Paul Corcoran reports from Eamonn Deacy Park

Galway made it through to the Women’s FAI Cup semi-finals with a 1-0 win over DLR Waves at Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday evening.

American striker McKenna Doyle scored the only goal of a match that saw few clear cut chances for either side.

Aoife Thompson struck an effort just wide of goal in the 15th minute when Sadhbh Doyle played a pass through the Waves defence to the striker.

Sophie Lenehan was straight off her line to force Thompson into a rushed shot that she sent just wide of the post.

Ten minutes later, McKenna Doyle was on target after Chloe Singleton popped a pass down the right flank in her direction.

The striker took the ball into the box before pilling it back for herself to get some room for a shot but her effort was too tame to really test Lenehan.

Méabh De Burca provided the set up for the goal in the first half, getting high up the pitch to send a great cross into the box towards Doyle. The American managed to rise above the Waves defence to nod the ball over the line.

Just before half time Ally O’Keeffe pulled off two great last-ditch challenges to prevent Galway scoring from two gilt-edged chances.

First the defender denied Sadhbh Doyle and shortly after she thwarted Aoife Thompson with two stellar tackles deep inside the box.



There were very few moments to talk about in the second half and bar a snapshot inches wide of the post from McKenna Doyle.

A header by Sinead Donovan was easily claimed by Lenehan, and the ball spent most of the time bogged down in midfield.

With five minutes to go DLR had a great chance to force extra time when Catherine Cronin smashed a shot at goal from close range but Abbie Ronayne just managed to beat the ball away with her fists.

Galway: Abbie Ronayne; Shauna Fox, Keara Cormican, Rachel Baynes (Tessa Mullins 66), Sadhbh Doyle; Méabh De Burca, Chloe Singleton, Lynsey McKey, Sinead Donovan; Aoife Thompson, McKenna Doyle.

Subs not used: Tina Hughes (gk), Aoife Walsh, Ailbhe Clancy, Kellie Brennan, Kelsey Monroe, Leah Brady.

Booked: Chloe Singleton (62), Rachel Baynes (63), Tessa Mullins (90)



DLR Waves: Sophie Lenehan; Jenny O’Keeffe, Katie Burdis, Roisin McGovern, Ally O’Keeffe, Fiona Donnelly, Orla Casey (Jetta Berill 56), Nadine Clare, Leeann Payne (Sophie O'Donoghue 84), Niamh Prior (Kerri Letmon 67), Catherine Cronin.

Subs not used: Eve Badana (gk), Chelsee Snell, Bobbi Downer, Shauna Carroll.

Booked: None.

Referee: Beachla Folan.

Extratime.ie Player of the Match: McKenna Doyle (Galway).