SFAI Cup semi-final heartache for Temple Villa
Peamount Utd 3
Temple Villa 1
A historic journey that brought so many memorable moments ended for Temple Villa on Sunday when the club's U14 girl's team were defeated by Peamount United in the SFAI Cup semi-final.
Greenogue Park in Newcastle, County Dublin was the venue for the occasion as supporters of the Midlands club travelled in large numbers hoping to see Temple Villa secure a final berth.
In a match played on a perfect grass surface, the hosts looked very strong in the early stages, maybe thinking it would be a straightforward passage to the final, but Villa finished strongly to make for an exciting final 15 minutes.
Peamount took a deserved lead after 16 minutes having spurned a couple of earlier chances. Villa keeper Faye Allen reached high to push away a powerful goalbound effort only to see Peamount's Robin Denehan crash home the rebound from close range.
The home team looked likely to extend their lead with Villa defending well but finding it hard to get into the opposition half. They did, however, create a chance before the interval through good wing play from Alison White with Peamount keeper Ava Gilmore just clearing her cross ahead of the on-rushing Grace Pillion.
The second period saw a more even share of the possession and the play opened up somewhat and it was Peamount who made the most of the extra space with Robin Denehan firing a low shot across Allen in the Villa goal to double the lead after 18 minutes.
The Dubliners then sat back a bit on their lead as is natural which allowed Villa to get their passing game going and Eliza Mallon provided a lifeline with a wonderful long range effort giving Gilmore no chance with ten minutes left.
It was now 'game on' with Villa looking the better side and pushing for a equaliser. As the visitors pushed on, Gilmore in the Peamount goal was penalised for handling outside her area with Alison White bearing down on goal. For some reason the referee awarded an indirect free kick which ultimately resulted in Villa not getting a shot on goal from a very advantageous position and at a very crucial time of the game.
With two minutes remaining and Villa pushing forward, Denehan finished a good cross to complete her hat-trick and seal passage to the SFAI Cup national final.
Peamount deserved their victory but Villa showed great resolve to stay in the game which ultimately gave them a chance of taking it to extra-time. All in all, a fantastic cup run for the Villa girls and management and one for the history books.
For Temple Villa, Abigail Kelly was outstanding in defence, Alison White's clever play caused problems for the home defence while Eliza Mallon scored a memorable goal.
Peaumount United: Ava Gilmore, Louisa Bartolett, Orlaith Tougher, Emily Cooney, Leah Cooney, Dara Katsko, Fay Harrison, Sienna Jones, Robin Denehan, Sarah O’Neill, Abby Moran, Reserves: Ava Darcy, Aine Marrinan, Elly May Hoban.
Temple Villa: Faye Allen, Abigail Kelly, Nicole Greene, Anna McCormack, Alice Weir, Moya Hegarty, Allanah Murray, Aimee Greene, Grace Pillion, Eliza Mallon, Alison White, Caoimhe Farrell. Reserves: Caoimhe Farrell, Lexie Grady, Grace O’Rourke, Emme Fitzgerald, Tara Ledwith, Grace Hallissey, Kate Henson.