Wexford edge Bohs on penalties to claim All-Island Cup
Wexford defeat Bohemians to win their first All-Island Cup. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
Wexford came from behind to send an enthralling All-Island Cup final to penalties in which they were five from five from the spot to get their name on the trophy for the first time.
Alannah McEvoy had given Bohs the lead only for Ellen Molloy to level in the second half, with Maria O’Sullivan proving the heroine in the shootout denying teenager Savannah Kane.
With 2,201 watching on, and some labelling it tongue-in-cheek as the Pat Trehy derby given his departure from Dalymount, there was added spice to a wonderful occasion at Ferrycarrig Park as both teams battled both each other and the elements to put on a show.
After a rip-roaring start and just six minutes played it was Bohs who tried to land the first blow. After some excellent build-up down the right, eventually making their way into the box, striker Alannah McEvoy reversed the ball cleverly to Sarah Power who failed to hit the target from close range.
The hosts looked to hit back straight away as Anna Doane found herself free at the back post but failed to connect with her effort in a huge let off for Alban Hysa’s side.
Moments later McEvoy was at it again, this time breaking the offside trap and found herself clear, bearing down on goal from the right. The 24-year-old tried to emulate Shelbourne’s final two goals against Sligo a day previous as she opted for a dinked finish over Maria O’Sullivan but sailed agonisingly over the bar.
The hosts, with an impressive four clean sheets in the competition en route to the final, were struggling with the Bohs right side of Power and Sarah McKevitt as both combined well for the game's next half chance as the latter whipped in a devilish back post cross towards Hannah O’Brien who was inches from bundling home.
There was huge confusion moments later when most of the ground thought Bohs had gotten their noses in front when Power's over hit cross landed on the top of the net.
But there was no confusion just after the half hour mark when the visitors, buoyed by their bus loads of supporters, got the lead their bright start deserved. Pressing high, they got their just desserts when McEvoy was released and made no mistake this time around coolly slotted past the onrushing keeper.
The hosts finished the half strong though and almost levelled when Bohs skipper Rachael Kelly spilled Ciara Rossitor’s cross in the swirling wind, with the ball falling to Ellen Molloy, but Kelly reacted sharply to get back to her feet and block Molloy from getting her seventh of the competition.
Just minutes after the restart McEvoy did well to get on the end of McKevitt's cross in a packed area but as she tried to turn and hit, was eventually smothered.
The hosts opted for a double change and a slight tactical switch to inject some urgency into the game with Ciara Rossitor moving more central and had the desired effect as they began to pin Bohs back.
Following a sloppy goal kick from Kelly, the ball eventually found its way to Rossitor who quickly fed the Irish international Molloy who slotted the ball home to level and set up a grandstand finish.
Both sides exchanged good chances as the game entered its dying embers, all the while knowing one slip could prove costly. Right back Della Doherty's deflected effort had Kelly scrambling but might have been going just wide as the lottery of penalties were needed to separate two really good sides.
Ellen Molloy settled the Wexford nerves, slotting home the first penalty, before Roisin McGovern sent O’Sullivan the wrong way to level.
Aoife Kelly and Alanna McEvoy were perfect before the pivotal turning point.
Freya De Mange was pinpoint with her finish before the unfortunate Kane was brilliantly denied by O’Sullivan. Charlotte Cromack made no mistake before Fiona Donnelly put all the pressure on Becky Cassin, who showed all her experience smashing home the winner.
Maria O’Sullivan; Freya De Mange, Anna Doane, Della Doherty; Orlaith Conlan (Charlotte Cromack, 57’), Kylie Murphy (Meabh Russell, 57’), Lauryn Dwyer, Rebekah Cassin; Aoife Kelly, Ciara Rossiter, Ellen Molloy
Rachael Kelly;, Katie Lovely (Emma Gaughran, 69’), Roisin McGovern, Lisa Murphy, Sarah Power (Lillian Rusher, 90+3’); Aoibhe Brennan, Fiona Donnelly; Sarah McKevitt, Hannah Healy (Savannah Kane, 85’), Hannah O’Brien (Leiagh Glennon, 69’); Alannah McEvoy
Robert Dowling
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