Emotional Athlone manager fumes at refereeing decisions

CONTENTIOUS: Jessie Stapleton of Shelbourne scores her side's first goal despite the efforts of Athlone Town goalkeeper Niamh Coombes during the EVOKE.ie FAI Women's Cup final. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

An emotional Tommy Hewitt insisted this season’s success is just the start – not the end – of Athlone Town as an indomitable force in women’s football.

He was seething at referee Seán Grant and his assistants for two pivotal decisions in Sunday’s final; the free-kick leading to Shelbourne’s opener and a call to disallow their goal with 20 minutes left for offside.