Saturday afternoon proved a momentous occasion in the short history of the Athlone Town senior women’s team as Tommy Hewitt’s charges claimed maiden silverware success with a penalty shoot out victory over Shelbourne in the President’s Cup.
Played in the Athlone Town Stadium, this inaugural fixture was evenly contested, reigning league and cup champions Shelbourne gaining an early two goal lead before the home team had time to settle into the contest.
That they did though and with 37 minutes played, Muireann Devaney capitalised upon poor Shelbourne defending to reduce the deficit with half time approaching. The goal was the boost Athlone Town required and their positive approach to the second period was rewarded on 69 minutes when Roisin Molloy pounced upon a clearance from the Shelbourne goalkeeper to level proceedings.
Concluding in stalemate, the game ventured towards a penalty shootout, Athlone Town goalkeeper Ciara Glackin proving the hero, as the custodian saved two Shelbourne spot kicks to ensure Athlone Town claimed the President’s Cup - a positive start to what promises to be a rewarding season for the the club’s senior women’s team.
Attention now swiftly turns to the opening fixture of the league season on Saturday night when Athlone Town host Peamount United, kick off at 7pm.
