Cork find that bit extra to dump out Bohs, holders Athlone advance

For Cork City and Bohemians, the Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup has been viewed as a significant opportunity to make the season one to remember.

When the action was all said and done, it was Cork City who kept their cup dreams - and being part of the biggest day in Irish women's domestic football - alive.

This contest ignited in extra-time.

A wonderful long-range finish by Orlaith O’Mahony put Danny Murphy’s City side ahead. That was before Bohs responded through a goal from Katie Malone.

But a late, late goal from Barrett Eidson sparked wild celebrations and put City into the final four on a memorable evening at Turner’s Cross.

There was little to separate the two sides in a tense and a tightly contested first half where 2017 winners City went close to scoring in the opening stages through the lively running of Colleen Kennedy O’Connell, who forced an early save out of Bohs' goalkeeper Rachael Kelly.

The home side went close in the 35th minute as Eva Mangan got a decent strike away, but it was saved. Bohs then took aim through a Sarah Power long-range strike which was dealt with well by City goalkeeper Una Foyle while the visitors also threatened through a shot by Alannah McEvoy.

But at the half-time break, there was nothing to separate City and Bohs, with all to play for heading into the second half.

In a similar fashion to the opening 45 minutes, the second half also developed into a rigid affair. Mangan let fly for City on the hour mark but her attempt sailed over the crossbar.

The Leesiders threatened again on 68 minutes when a great ball across by Shaunagh McCarthy picked out Barrett Eidson, but her shot was saved by Kelly.

As this duel edged towards the final 15 minutes of normal time, City created what was at that stage the