REPORT: CLUB ORANGE WOMEN’S FAI CUP
SECOND ROUND: Bohemian FC 8-0 Kerry FC
Kerry FC’s WDL side were back in action on Saturday as they faced Bohemian FC in the second round of the Club Orange Women’s FAI Cup in Dalymount Park. They earned this tie after last Sunday’s historic 3-1 victory over Drogheda United in Sullivan and Lambe Park in the club’s first-ever cup game at women’s level.
Goals from Melanie Higgins and Laura Falvey booked their trip to Drumcondra, and although the test this week would be much bigger, it could not go unnoticed how much of an occasion it would be for women’s football in Kerry.
FIRST HALF
Kerry FC started brightly and showed their willingness to compete from the opening whistle. Maggie Quirke was called into action early and comfortably gathered a long-range effort from Lauryn McCabe. Quirke was then at her brilliant best in the ninth minute, punching away a dangerous delivery from Eimear Lafferty with Bohemians players waiting to pounce inside the area.
Bohemians broke the deadlock in the tenth minute through Sarah McKevitt, whose strike from distance flew into the top corner, leaving Quirke with little chance. The hosts doubled their advantage shortly afterwards as Lafferty finished following a dangerous attack down the left.
Kerry continued to battle hard all over the pitch, with captain Izzy McGrath leading by example alongside Aideen Riedy, Suvi O’Connor and Saorlaith Murphy. Airida Mateviciute produced one of the moments of the half in the twentieth-minute period of sustained pressure, making a superb clearance off the line to deny Alannah McEvoy and keep Kerry in the contest.
Mollie Duggan, Rebecca Flanagan, Julia Sobczak and Caoimhe McCarthy worked tirelessly in tight areas, while Emma Murnane and Airida Mateviciute continued to press and chase every ball. Hannah O’Brien added another for the hosts before Kerry suffered an unfortunate setback when Emma Murnane was forced off through injury, with Isabelle Lyons entering the action. Emma later attended the Mater Hospital with a suspected wrist fracture, and everybody at Kerry FC wishes her a speedy recovery.
SECOND HALF
Amelia Carroll Kelly and Ellen Hackett entered at the break for Saorlaith Murphy and Julia Sobczak as Kerry looked to finish strongly. Bohemians added further goals during the second period, but Kerry continued to show character throughout.
Quirke produced several more excellent saves, including a superb stop from close range to deny Hannah O’Brien and another outstanding save from an Alannah McKevoy free kick. Ellen Hackett also delivered a dangerous corner that caused problems, while Izzy McGrath produced an inviting cross into the area after finding space.
Late introductions Isabelle Conway and Sara Murphy added fresh energy, with Sara making several impressive saves, including several excellent interventions in the closing stages.
While the cup journey came to an end, this young Kerry FC side can take enormous pride from their historic first campaign. Valuable experience was gained and, for Joan Croke’s developing squad, this is only the beginning of their journey at senior level.
Bohemian FC Team: Kate Foley, Lisa Murphy (GOAL ‘50), Fiona Donnelly (C), Alannah McEvoy (GOAL ‘76), Sarah McKevitt (GOAL ‘10), Eimear Lafferty (GOAL ‘14), Sophie Clarke, Aoife Fennell, Leiagh Glennon, Lauryn McCabe (GOAL ‘28, ‘61), Hannah O’Brien (GOAL ‘29).
Subs Used: Aoibhe Brennan, Katie Malone, Fiadh Woods, Laila Hurley, Jane Smyth (GOAL ‘74)
Kerry FC Team: Maggie Quirke; Saorlaith Murphy, Aideen Riedy, Izzy McGrath (C), Suvi O’Connor, Mollie Duggan, Rebecca Flanagan, Julia Sobczak, Airida Mateviciute, Caoimhe McCarthy, Emma Murnane.
Subs Used: Isabelle Lyons, Amelia Carroll Kelly, Ellen Hackett, Isabelle Conway, Sara Murphy