Athlone Vs Shelbourne This Year's FAI Cup Final

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Athlone Town’s Shauna Brennan is buzzing with excitement as she prepares for a third consecutive FAI Cup Final against Shelbourne on October 20. This is a rematch with their fiercest rivals and an opportunity to settle the score in this ongoing saga.

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Athlone’s journey to the FAI Cup Final was anything but easy. They narrowly defeated Sligo Rovers 1-0 in a tense semi-final, with Brennan scoring the crucial goal. Reflecting on the match, Brennan noted the tough fight Sligo put up but expressed her delight in getting her team over the line.

The narrative of this FAI Cup Final showdown has become familiar. In 2022, Shelbourne took home the trophy, only for Athlone to exact revenge last year in a dramatic penalty shootout. Now, with both teams having tasted victory, this year’s final promises to be the ultimate decider. “They have won, and we have won, so this will be the ultimate battle,” Brennan said, already gearing up for the intense clash.

Double Glory or Double Trouble?

But it’s not just the FAI Cup Final that Athlone has its sights on. Additionally, the team is vying for the title of SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division. Winning their upcoming game against Wexford could see them take a five-point lead over Galway and Shelbourne, further intensifying the season’s end. A league and cup double? Brennan certainly thinks it’s possible, saying, “You have to believe it.”

Of course, this dream won’t come easy. Brennan is aware of the challenges ahead, especially the crucial midweek game against Wexford. “We know that’s going to be a tough game,” she acknowledged, adding that in football, anything can happen. A team might play badly and steal a win, or they can be superior and still lose. Everything depends on what occurs that day.

Athlone’s manager, Ciarán Kilduff, is more cautious about the possibility of a double.He warns them that they haven’t yet achieved victory and stresses the need to take things one step at a time. “You have to win one before you win two,” he said, acknowledging the amount of work still left to do. Kilduff is well aware of the difficulties his side confronts, having three games in six days.

Despite their struggles in the semi-final, Kilduff remains confident that Athlone can improve. Reflecting on the performance, he admitted they weren’t at their best but praised Sligo for their competitive spirit. Even though they had the upper hand in the first half, Athlone failed to take use of their opportunities. In the second half, they didn’t perform as expected, and the game “petered out.”

The Ultimate FAI Cup Final Showdown

This upcoming FAI Cup Final has all the ingredients of a classic rivalry. The familiarity between the players, the high stakes, and the history between the two teams will undoubtedly make for a thrilling contest. Kilduff hopes for a good crowd at Tallaght Stadium and is determined that his team will relish the occasion. “We’re lucky enough to be there, and we are going to relish the occasion,” he said, embracing the pressure that comes with such a significant game.

Shelbourne and Athlone Town will play in the Women’s Sports Direct FAI Cup final for the third consecutive year. Their paths to the final were quite different this year, with Shelbourne cruising past Cork City in a 5-0 victory, while Athlone had to grind out a narrow win against Sligo. The contrast in these semi-final performances highlights the different styles of play and sets the stage for a fascinating final.

Both teams are also fighting for the league title, adding another layer of tension to this match. With a game remaining, Athlone leads the Premier Division by two points over Shelbourne and Galway. The stakes are higher than ever, with both sides eyeing the possibility of a league and cup double.

Shelbourne’s dominance in their semi-final was impressive, with Kate Mooney and Noelle Murray scoring in the first half and Christie Gray and Megan Smyth-Lynch adding to the tally after the break. This commanding performance shows that Shelbourne is in excellent form and ready to give Athlone a tough challenge.

Athlone, on the other hand, will be relying on their resilience and ability to pull through in tight games. Brennan’s goal against Sligo was a deflected effort from a corner, but it was enough to send Athlone into the final. These are the moments that define cup runs, and Athlone will need more of that grit if they want to lift the trophy again.

Looking ahead, it’s hard to predict who will come out on top. Shelbourne has the upper hand in terms of form, but Athlone has shown they can rise to the occasion. The rivalry between these two teams has been building for years, and this year’s final feels like the culmination of all that tension. Ultimately, how well each player can perform under duress will determine how this game turns out.

Will Shelbourne’s attacking prowess be too much for Athlone? Or will Athlone’s determination and resilience see them through once again?

This game is a celebration of the development of women’s football in Ireland, regardless of the outcome. Both teams have proven their quality and determination, and the fans are in for a treat. The fact that this is the third consecutive FAI Cup Final between these teams speaks to the level of competition in the Women’s FAI Cup, and it’s a testament to the hard work of the players, coaches, and staff.

As we countdown to October 20, the excitement is building. Whether you cheer for Shelbourne or Athlone, this championship game is sure to be exciting. It’s more than just a game; it’s a battle for supremacy, pride, and the chance to make history. Let the best team win!