The battle to reach the EVOKE.ie FAI Women's Cup Final commences on two fronts this Saturday as four teams prepare to put everything on the line.
The prize is a place at this year's final on Sunday, November 21st in Tallaght Stadium. But only two teams can advance, so that means two will see their journeys end this weekend.
In the early kick-off, Shelbourne take on Galway WFC at Tolka Park before the focus moves across the capital to PRL Park where current Cup holders Peamount United come up against Wexford Youths.
It's all to play for and that opportunity excites Shelbourne goalkeeper Amanda Budden who left Galway this season to join The Reds and could now be in a position to dump them out of the Cup.
Budden said: "It would be great to get to the Cup Final, but we know that Galway are a good side and that it won't be easy. We have experienced players on our side but they have some too, so that makes it interesting.
MATCH-DAY!https://t.co/oUemRMWwVf FAI Women's FAI Cup Semi-Final 🏆
🟣 @shelsfc v @GalwayWFC - KO 14:00
🟣 @peamountutd v @YouthsWomen - KO 16:00
Watch LIVE on https://t.co/8yFxgvR8mX 💻#FAIWomensCup | @EVOKE pic.twitter.com/1TGcbMa2fn— Women's National League (@LoiWomen) October 9, 2021
"We want to get to the Cup Final and that is what we are focusing on now. We are looking forward to the game."
Peamount United forward Stephanie Roche reckons there has been very little between her team and Wexford Youths in their League outings this year, so she expects something similar in Greenogue on Saturday.
"Wexford are a very good team. Every game we play against them is a tough game, it's a battle, it's physical, there's tackles flying in, and I think it's going to be a very good game," Roche told Oisin Langan on the Extra Time podcast.
"I think in the last few games we've played against them we've probably been a bit unlucky not to win. I'm looking forward to playing the game, I'm looking forward to hopefully winning, and take it one game at a time but it's going to be a very tough game for both teams."
If either or both games end in a draw then extra-time and, possibly, a penalty shoot-out will be required to decide the ties.
EVOKE.ie FAI WOMEN'S CUP SEMI-FINALS
Saturday, October 9th
Shelbourne v Galway WFC
KO 14:00
Tolka Park
Peamount United v Wexford Youths
KO 16:00
PRL Park
WATCH BOTH GAMES LIVE ON LOITV
