Noel King says Shels will learn from celebration mistakes

Shelbourne boss Noel King admits his team made "mistakes" when celebrating their title win last year.

Twelve months ago, the Reds beat Wexford Youths to snatch the league away from Peamount - who suffered a shock loss to Galway - in a remarkable last day that sparked joyous celebrations.

A week later, Shels lost 3-1 to an Ellen Molloy-inspired Wexford Youths in the EVOKE.ie FAI Women's Cup final as their double dreams evaporated.

They find themselves in a similar scenario this week, having captured another league that went right to the wire with a very impressive win 4-0 at Wexford Youths, who themselves could have been crowned champions had they won.

Now, Shels have the chance to finally get the double they crave when they take on Athlone Town in the cup decider at Tallaght Stadium this Sunday - and King is determined to maintain focus.

"We made a lot of mistakes in terms of celebrating [last year]," he said.

"I think it was brilliant. You'd do the same again because you got into Europe – and there's no Europe for [winning] the cup. We did want to win it of course but we took our eye off the ball and I take responsibility for that.

"We were there last season and we got beaten, so you would say there is unfinished business. If we could get a double, it would be fantastic.

"It was a big occasion down in Wexford, we had five busloads going down - I don’t think that has ever been seen for an away game, certainly in women’s football, maybe not even in men’s football. The atmosphere afterwards was terrific.

"The natural follow-on then is that you want to try and win the cup. But then Athlone have the same feelings as well."

The midlanders have been the season's surprise package, finishing second in what was a three-horse race for the