Penalty hero Maria Matthaiou propels Athlone to fifth FAI final
Goalkeeper Maria Matthaiou became the decisive figure as Athlone Town edged Galway United in a nerve‑wracking penalty shoot‑out after 120 plus minutes, securing the Holders’ place in a fifth consecutive FAI Cup final. The dramatic save on the final spot‑kick ensured the club’s continued dominance in Ireland’s premier knockout competition.
Early strike and swift equaliser
Alexis Strickland gave Athlone Town a dream start after nine minutes, finding the net with a clinical finish. The lead was short‑lived as Cara Griffin responded with a stunning leveller, restoring parity before the half‑hour mark.
Midway through the first half, host Madie Gibson returned from injury and won the ball in midfield, launching a three‑against‑one counter‑attack that released pacey Izzy Ryan on the right. Ryan’s over‑hit cross was smothered by goalkeeper Amanda McQuillan, denying Athlone a further lead. Eve Dossen contributed in midfield, helping the team retain shape.
Soon after, a mis‑directed tackle by Niamh Farrelly sent the ball towards her own goal, but Strickland read the play and forced a collision between McQuillan and Jade Rehberger. The loose ball fell to a lively striker who finished cleanly, putting Galway ahead.
Second‑half drama and decisive goal
The half‑time interval did not calm Galway, who pressed forward and created several chances from distance. In the 55th minute, Gibson delivered a pinpoint cross to Strickland, whose header struck the crossbar. Minutes later, substitute Cara Griffin collected the ball on the right, curled a superb shot into the top corner, restoring the tie with just over fifteen minutes remaining.
Extra‑time unfolded at the same relentless pace, yet neither side could break the deadlock. Goalkeeper Hannah Waesch and striker Izzy Ryan were both denied by top‑class saves from McQuillan as the clock ticked down, leading the match to a penalty shoot‑out.
In the nervy shoot‑out, Galway went first and both teams converted their first four spot‑kicks. Isabella Beletic then missed for Galway, while Roisin Molloy kept Athlone in contention by scoring. The decisive moment arrived when Niamh Farrelly’s attempt was saved by Matthaiou, sealing Athlone’s progression.
Athlone entered the match without top scorer Emma Doherty, who has 14 goals in all competitions, and without Remini Tillotson, who served a suspension. Nevertheless, the Holders displayed confidence, having previously beaten Lily Agg’s juggernaut, and now book a showdown with title rivals Shelbourne – the fourth meeting with them in these five final appearances.