*Tulla Utd players celebrate. Photograph: Joe Buckley
A PENALTY shootout that went all the way to sudden death decided the CDSL Ladies Cup final with Tulla United emerging as champions.
Tulla United 2
Moher Celtic 2
(after extra time)
Tulla won 8-7 on penalties
Venue: Frank Healy Park
Goalkeeper Ava O’Donovan emerged as the hero for the new champions making two saves in the shootout including Moher’s last effort.
Her performance in penalties allied to a number of excellent saves in the game earned her the player of the match, an award she richly deserved on the evening.
O’Donovan was first called into action in the sixth minute when she saved from Sharon Cagney. Two minutes later Moher took the lead when Aoife Fitzpatrick’s effort found the net.
The North Clare side who were seeking to retain the title almost doubled their lead in the sixteenth minute but Marie Donoghue’s effort rebounded off the post.
The first half was twenty five minutes old when Tulla levelled, Ava Guifoyle finding the net following a Caoimhe Crowe free. The sides were locked together at 1-1 when the half time whistle sounded.
The newly crowned champions took the lead nine minutes into the new half, team captain Emma Deegan finding the net.
Four minutes later Moher introduced Carmel Considine for Marie Donoghue and inside a minute of her arrival on the pitch she levelled the tie, rising highest to head to the net.
Play swung from end to end from here to the full time whistle as both sides chased a lead goal. It almost came for Moher with fifteen minutes remaining but Tulla keeper O’Donovan made an outstanding save to turn Marlene McCormack’s effort behind.
Considine came close again with eight minutes remaining but her header flew to the wrong side of the upright.
Extra time produced few chances resulting in a penalty shootout to determine the destination of the cup.
Tulla were first up and Caoimhe Grace converted before Moher captain Blaithnaid Reyolds had her effort saved by O’Donovan.
They each converted their next three, Siomha Perril, Emma Deegan and Ava Guifoyle hitting the target for Tula while Shannon Cagney, Oivia Lucas and Aoife Fitzpatrick did likewise for the North Clare side.
Eabha McNamara’s effort for Tulla was saved by Moher goalie Emily McDonagh and this meant that Moher had to convert their next effort to keep the shootout going. Natia Nakvetauri was enthrusted with the kick and she made no mistake leaving the sides at 4-4 after the regulation five penalties each.
Ruth O’Neill (Tulla) and Lorraine Lacey both missed the latter’s effort rebounding off the cross bar.
Amy Byrnes put Tulla in front and it looked to be all over when Aine Marrinan failed to score. However, the referee ruled that goalkeeper O’Donovan was off the line and he ordered the kick to be retaken and this time Marrinan made no mistake.
Caoilfhionn Perrill for Tulla and Carmel Considine for Moher both scored leaving it at 6-6. Emily Perrill and Leah Commane did likewise and it was 7-7.
Roisin Cahill put Tulla in front again before Brona Galvin Byrne saw her effort saved by O’Donovan leading to her Tulla team mates racing to congratulate her.
CDSL Women’s Officer Paul Fitzgerald presented medals to both teams and the trophy to victorious captain Emma Deegan.
All photographs by Joe Buckley
Tulla United; Ava O’Donovan; Roisin Cahill, Emily Perrill, Caoilfhionn Perrill, Ruth O’Neill, Siomha Perrilll, Eavha McNamara, Caoimhe Grace, Ciara Cahill, Ava Guilfoyle, Emma Deegan (Captain);
Sub: Ava Byrnes for C. Cahill.
Moher Celtic; Emily McDonagh; Lorraine Lacey, Aine Marrinan, Leah Commane, Aoife Fitzpatrick, Natia Nakvetauri, Marlene McCormack, Marie Donohue, Shannon Cagney, Blaithnaid Reynolds (Capt), Sophie Pigott
Subs; Carmel Considine for M. Doohue; Brona Gavin Byrne for M. McCormack; Olivia Lucas for S. Pigott
Referee: Museliu Bashua.
Linesmen; Brian Punch and Abdeslam Sammy Ennaoui
