Athlone crush Sligo to set up repeat FAI Cup final date with Shelbourne

Athlone Town will take on Shelbourne in the final of the Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup for the second consecutive year, as Ciaran Kilduff's side were comprehensive winners over Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds in the semi-final.

In front of a crowd of 1,121, Madie Gibson scored a first half brace while Jesi Lynne Rossman and Sligo native Roisin Molloy netted in the second-half to seal their spot in the final.

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In what was an historic occasion at The Showgrounds, Steve Feeney's side were hoping to cause an upset against last year's beaten finalists.

But, the Bit O'Red were yet to record a victory over Athlone since entering the league ahead of the 2022 season.

Rovers' path to the semi-final stage saw them beat Donegal's Bonagee United 11-0, before shocking Bohemians with a 1-0 victory in the quarter-final at Dalymount Park.

Athlone had to come through two penalty shoot-outs to reach this stage, beating both Peamount United and Galway United to reach the final four.

The hosts had struggled in the league, but have seen an upturn in form in recent weeks, unbeaten in the last three games, but the Midlanders have three wins from their last four league games.

Steve Feeney was able to name an unchanged starting 11 for the third week in the row, with the lethal attackers Emma Doherty and Casey Howe among the starters.

Ciaran Kilduff made one change to the side that beat DLR Waves in the league last week, with Kate Slevin dropping to the bench in place of Kellie Brennan.

In what was a fairly competitive opening to this game, the visitors were first to threaten in front of goal.

Dana Scheriff found Chloe Singleton inside the box, and a fine save from former Athlone goalkeeper Bonnie McKiernan prevented an opener.

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