Preview: Athlone out to spoil Shels' double dreams

EVOKE.ie FAI Women's Cup final

Shelbourne v Athlone Town, Tallaght Stadium, 3pm

TV

Live coverage on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player from 2.30pm

RADIO

Live radio coverage on RTÉ Radio 1's Sunday Sport.

ONLINE

Live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app.

WEATHER

Sunny spells with scattered heavy showers are expected in Tallaght so dress accordingly if you're heading to the match. We'll have highest temperatures of 12 or 13 degrees and some fresh to strong and gusty south to southwest winds. Standard.

Established powerhouses take on the league's surprise package

It's a clash between one of the big guns and the valiant underdogs.

For the second year in a row, Shelbourne are chasing a double at Tallaght Stadium having snatched the league title in another dramatic final day last weekend.

Twelve months ago Noel King's team were crowned champions when they defeated Wexford Youths and Peamount United collapsed at home to Galway.

This year things were even tighter.

Wexford Youths, Shels and Athlone all had a chance to life the trophy going into the final day.

In the end Shels hammered Wexford 4-0 to take the glory, but Athlone - in only their third year of existence - pushed them right to the bitter end.

Tommy Hewitt's charges have been the story of the season. Nobody, probably not even themselves, would have expected them to be in the mix for honours come October/November but they've proven throughout the year that they're a match for anyone.

Athlone have played Shelbourne three times this year - lost one (2-0), drew one (1-1), won one (2-0).

"We probably weren't really looking at them at the start of the year as being out competitors for the league but absolute credit to them, they've been brilliant," Shels veteran Rachel Graham said this week.

"The