FAI: Shelbourne to meet Athlone in Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup Final

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Goals from Christie Gray and Hannah Healy secured a 2-0 triumph over Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium to ensure Shelbourne made it back to the showpiece event for a second year running.
In the other semi-final, Athlone Town overcame Sligo Rovers in a 4-0 win thanks to a brace from Maddison Gibson and one apiece from Jesi Rossman and Roisin Molloy to ensure that they return to the Final again.
The draw to determine the home / away team for the Final will take place on Monday, October 16, while tickets are now available via Ticketmaster.
In the first semi-final, Shelbourne dominated their duel with Shamrock Rovers in front of a record crowd of 1,567*spectators.
Gray headed in the opening goal on 52 minutes when she peeled away from her marker at the back post to meet a perfect cross from Megan Smyth-Lynch.
Rovers had a number of their own chances but struggled to inject any momentum to their play and the visitors punished them for it when teenage sensation Healy intercepted a pass from Shauna Fox to slot into an empty net on 77 minutes.
The Reds never looked like letting that lead slip and stayed on course to secure their spot in this year's Final, where they are chasing a third Cup victory in their history.
At The Showgrounds, there was also a record attendance, with 1,121 fans turning up. Athlone Town spoiled things for the home crowd when converting from the penalty spot after Gibson blasted in a left-footed effort on 30 minutes.
American ace Gibson got her second of the game on 41 minutes when a shot from distance took a wicked deflection off Sligo defender Eimear Lafferty and looped over goalkeeper Bonnie McKiernan into the net.
On 62 minutes, Gibson's corner was dropped by McKiernan and Rossman headed in from close range. Molloy then wrapped things up with a finish on 75 minutes to put Athlone back in with a chance of winning the Cup for the first time.
2023 SPORTS DIRECT WOMEN'S FAI CUP FINAL
Shelbourne v Athlone Town
Sunday, November 19
Tallaght Stadium
KO 15:00
LIVE on RTÉ2
TICKETS FOR SPORTS DIRECT WOMEN'S FAI CUP FINAL NOW AVAILABLE



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Introduction:
Shelbourne will get the opportunity to retain the 2023 Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup after setting up a repeat of last year's Final against Athlone Town.*




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