Athlone hold nerve in shootout to win FAI Cup thriller

Athlone Town win 4-3 on penalties

Athlone Town held their nerve in a penalty shootout to excorise their Sports Direct FAI Cup demons with a thrilling win over Shelbourne.

Twelve months ago Shels broke the midlanders' hearts when they won the decider 2-0. But revenge was sweet for Ciaran Kilduff's charges following a terrific game at Tallaght Stadium.

Jemma Quinn rose from the bench to turn the game the Reds' way after Dana Scheriff had fired Athlone ahead in the first half.

Quinn pounced inside the box to level it up and force extra-time, and then lashed home a super second to seemingly settle it. However Gillian Keenan rescued the midlanders with a fine volley that sent an absorbing battle to penalties.

After Jesi Rossman coolly slid home Athlone’s fifth spot-kick, Shelbourne’s Alex Kavanagh hammered her effort off the crossbar. And that was that.

Athlone exploded with joy, the Reds collapsed to the turf in despair. Noel King’s final game at the helm has not ended with another trophy; instead it’s Kilduff’s vibrant outfit who will bring the cup home, just five months before the 100th anniversary of the club’s first – and until today only – FAI Cup triumph.

The weather broke just ahead of kick-off, as moody looking clouds that had tipped down rain all morning began to clear.

It meant conditions were surprisingly good in Tallaght, where Athlone made a sprightly start.

They should have taken the lead with only three minutes on the clock. An in-swinging corner caused panic in the Shels box, with Chloe Singleton's glancing header heeled goalwards by Kellie Brennan and Jesi Rossman – free at the back post - prodded an effort right across goal.

It set the tone for a bruising, entertaining opening period.

GOAL – Athlone Town take the