Wexford Youths secured a historic treble, as they defeated Peamount United 1-0 in the FAI Women’s Cup, at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Victory saw Wexford Youth’s add more silverware to their National League shield and League title success – their fourth league title in five years.
Katrina Parrock’s strike with 34 minutes on the clock, proved to be decisive as Wexford held on to secure victory in a closely contested final.
With kick-off at 12pm midday, thousands of spectators turned out to see the two best teams in the country battle it out for glory.
Wexford sprung a surprise selection as top scorer and Republic of Ireland international, Rianna Jarrett, was named in the starting eleven for the first time since her broken foot.
The Dublin side, Peamount United started the match brightly and on the front foot as Amber Barrett was denied by Wexford goalkeeper Sophie Lenehan from close range. Barrett who won the golden-boot for the second year running has had a year to remember as she scored a remarkable 30 goals this season, including seven hat-tricks, on the way to firing Peamount to League Cup success.
Sophie Lenehan was called into action once again as she made a superb from a fine effort from Aine O’Gorman. Peamount again went close as Megan Smyth-Lynch fired over the bar after being teed up by Amber Barrett.
Peamount would be left to rue those missed opportunities as Katrina Parrock, who was the hero for Wexford in the semi-final win, was first to react to a flick on from Rianna Jarrett and calmly slotted home passed the Wexford goalkeeper. Parrock was also named Player of the Match.
Katrina Parrock puts the Youths ahead #rtesoccer #WFAICupFinal pic.twitter.com/qImGm7opnN
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) November 4, 2018
With the game edging towards half-time, Peamount’s Amber Barrett had a marauding run down the left and showed great pace and power to make her way into the Wexford penalty area. Wexford’s Orlaith Conlon brought the striker down with a clear shoulder charge but to the dismay of the Peamount team, no penalty was awarded.
Big penalty shout for Peamount right on half-time. Not given. https://t.co/zcQelHjRJz #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/4eauN4FGjo
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) November 4, 2018
The second half saw Wexford use their experience and tactical nous to slow down the tempo of the game. Their two central midfielders were vital to controlling possession and maintaining control for the league champions.
With time running out, Peamount piled on the pressure in the final few minutes of the game. The Dublin side once again will feel aggrieved to not have been awarded a penalty as Wexford’s Lauren Dwyer lunged in bringing down Barrett in the penalty area. No spot-kick was awarded and Wexford held on to victory.
Drama at the death! Should Peamount have had a penalty?? It wasn't given. Wexford Youths survive and they lift the FAI Cup https://t.co/zcQelHjRJz #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/tsSfEbnRS5
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) November 4, 2018
All in all it wasn’t to be for Peamount as Wexford were largely comfortable throughout the game. On another day, the decisions would have gone Peamount’s way and they may have had a penalty to send the game into extra-time.
Elation for Wexford Youths captain Kylie Murphy https://t.co/zcQelHjRJz #RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/YwVBk6ZC0O
— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) November 4, 2018
Wexford Youths: Sophie Lenehan; Nicola Sinnott, Lauren Dwyer, Orlaith Conlon, Doireann Fahey; Kylie Murphy; Emma Hansberry, Edel Kennedy, Aisling Frawley, Katrina Parrock (McKenna Davidson 79); Rianna Jarrett (Orla Casey 71).
Peamount United: Naoisha McAloon; Lauryn O’Callaghan (Louise Masterson 90), Chloe Moloney, Louise Corrigan, Lucy McCartan (Claire Walsh 56); Niamh Farrelly, Karen Duggan; Aine O’Gorman, Eleanor Ryan-Doyle, Megan Smyth-Lynch (Dearbhaile Beirne 68); Amber Barrett.
