Aidan Corbett
Dungarvan United made trip to south Wicklow to face Dublin side Cabinteely in the FAI Women’s Shield final yesterday.
Dungarvan got the better of Munster rivals Carrigaline United in the semi final to reach the showpiece event at Travers Insurances Park, home of Arklow Town FC.
Nothing separated the two sides early on although Cabinteely did appear to be showing more attacking intent.
But it was a moment of incisive play that broke the deadlock as Cabinteely’s early pressure paid off with a ball through the middle of the Dungarvan United defence that was calmly slotted home by the Cabinteely forward.
And shortly after the south Dublin side made it 2-0 with a great finish inside the box.
A late chance in the first half fell Dungarvan's way with a bursting drive through the middle of the pitch, Eimear Fennell hit the target but the attempt was held by the Cabinteely keeper.
Dungarvan grew in momentum from there with a great pass played into the left hand channel but again, the Cabinteely shot stopper came out on top.
The Dungarvan United defence held firm, blocking everything that came their way, keeping the deficit to two when the half time whistle came.
The Blues created the first real opportunity of any note in the second half as they broke down the left hand side but yet again, the goalkeeper came away victorious. Dungarvan though, were starting to find a rhythm.
However with less than fifteen minutes to go, another defence splitting pass from the Dublin side lead to a goal and therefore ended the contest which would finish 4-0 after Cabinteely scored another in added time.
The near 150 kilometre trip may have taken its toll on the Dungarvan United players compared to the estimated 60 kilometres travelled by their counterparts.
However, there could be no denying the quality from the Dublin side in the final as they deservedly hoisted the FAI Women’s Shield.
It wasn’t to be for Dungarvan on the day but a remarkable achievement for Dungarvan United to reach the FAI Women’s Shield final.
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