Shels dig deep to see off Rovers despite red card

Megan Smyth Lynch proved to be the match winner for 10-player Shelbourne who knocked out a brave Shamrock Rovers for the second year in a row, as her devilishly whipped deflected free-kick - with almost the last kick of the game - ensured the Reds progressed to the semi-final of the FAI Cup.

Both teams suffered bruising encounters last time out with the hosts losing the Avenir All-Island Cup final on home soil, whilst the visitors lost their first game of the season at home to title rivals Athlone Town.

With Cork City, Sligo Rovers and Athlone having already booked their places in the semi-final draw, a fierce battle took place for the final slot as both teams lived up

After a feisty opening, the game began to open up.

Both Savannah McCarthy and Aine O'Gorman had strikes from distance just off target before the marauding Christie Gray smashed low at former Reds keeper Amanda Budden from a tight angle.

Minutes later, Kate Mooney thought she had put her side in front with a chipped finish, only to see the flag raised for offside.

Midway through the first half the visitors, well in the ascendancy, should have been in front. Following a classy combination between Alex Kavanagh and Roma McLoughlin to cut open the Rovers defence, Kavanagh hit a powerful effort straight at Budden.

Collie O’Neill’s charges continued to look dangerous on the break and finished the half the stronger. Whilst enjoying their best spell, 15-year-old Ella Kelly - having been cleverly set up by O’Gorman in the area - smashed a thunderous effort off the crossbar and over.

The half time break did nothing to dampen the derby feel as both sides continued to battle ferociously.

Just before the hour mark Rovers opted for a triple substitution and that nearly paid off