Salthill Devon Ladies are through to the quarter-finals of the WFAI Senior Irish Cup and will meet competition favourites St Catherine’s from Dublin.
The Salthill Ladies will enjoy home advantage over last year’s runners-up when the fixture takes place on Sunday May 30 at Drom.
Last weekend they ensured their passage to the last eight with a worthy 2 - 0 victory over Ashling Annacotty - the same club that forced their exit in the first round in Limerick last year.
However Salthill made no mistake this time round, and playing with a stiff breeze and the slope in the first half, Salthill dominated, particularly in central mid-field where team captain Ruth Fahy and recent recruit Rebecca McPhilbin were bossing the game.
Julie Anne Russell was a constant threat on the left, while new signing Jenny Critchley gave the team great width on the right. Up front Irish u-17 captain Dora Gorman and Lucy Hannon enjoyed a battle with Ashling defenders Sinead Crotty and Mairead Galvin, yet Salthill not make it count on the scoreboard. Although their corner count was 6 - 0, they could not break down the resolute Limerick defence.
However they made the breakthrough on 57 minutes when a great diagonal pass from the impressive Gorman put Critchley through on goal and she made no mistake with a precise finish and debut goal for the club.
The Salthill back four of Dee Connell, Lauren Ashmore and the Mullins sisters Tessa and Kara were solid all day, while in goal Tina Hughes had little to do but dealt with everything that came her way.
Dora Gorman deservedly added to the score sheet with 15 minutes remaining, and that effectively killed the game off.
Salthill Devon Ladies: Tina Hughes, Dee Connell, Tessa Mullins, Kara Mullins, Lauren Ashmore, Julie Ann Russell, Ruth Fahy (capt ) , Rebecca McPhilbin, Jenny Critchley, Dora Gorman and Lucy Hannon. Subs Caroline Carter, Ina Butler, Tara Lawless, Sarah O’Connor, Annette Clarke.
