ronan fagan
Achieving a place in this season’s FAI Women’s Cup Final is just reward for the cohesive and spirited performances of this Athlone Town team into which US native Maddie Gibson has seamlessly transitioned since her arrival mid-season.
Hailing from New Jersey, the striker breathed fresh impetus into Athlone Town’s season, her three goals in the semi-final victory over Shelbourne ensuring Tommy Hewitt’s charges sealed a most deserved place in Sunday’s showpiece occasion.
Looking towards the FAI Cup Final in Tallaght Stadium on Sunday, Maddie is in anticipatory mode, a sense of belief which has been instilled into the team by the management now paying momentum dividends on the pitch.
“It is a big achievement for our team to progress to the FAI Cup Final and we are going to embrace the occasion. We are on a six game winning streak and hopefully that run will continue this Sunday,” Maddie stated.
Reflecting on her arrival mid-season, Maddie, who has previous Champions League experience with Gintra of Lithuania, noted that she has been extremely well received by her teammates and is looking forward to culminating the season on a high this weekend.
“My teammates have helped with the transition process, they have all been so welcoming and this, I feel, has been reflected in my performances, the three goals in the cup semi-final being an obvious highlight for me to date.
“The style of football is similar to that which I experienced while playing college football in the US and it has certainly benefited my game since I made my debut for the club,” Maddie added.
Achieving a second place finish in the league was a “huge accomplishment” and is a further boost for team morale prior to Sunday’s game.
“We have certainly progressed as a team from last season and to finish second in the league is a major achievement. It is a case of ‘onwards and upwards’ from here and hopefully, if we stay together we can build upon this season’s success going forward.
“We are determined to show our capabilities as a team on Sunday. We have prepared for this encounter and are ready to prove that we deserve our place in the final, just rewards for our efforts through the season,” Maddie enthused.
Currently studying for a Masters in Visual Marketing at TUS, Maddie has had the support of her fellow US native teammate Dana Scheriff (who encouraged her to join Athlone Town ) since her mid-season Midlands arrival and is hoping to experience game time with her close friend upon her recovery from long term injury.
“It is disappointing that Dana and I have yet to play in the same Athlone Town team together but hopefully, we both have that moment ahead of us. Firstly however, there is need to finish this season strongly and accomplish a cup final win on Sunday. That is now our sole focus and we hope to achieve it,” Maddie concluded.
