Galway United women's side leave it late to seal win over Linfield
FOR the past two seasons 16 year old Anna McGough has been a prolific scorer in the Women's Academy National Leagues, but after a gradual introduction to Senior action the former Corrib Celtic player got her first goal at this level on Saturday as Galway United came from behind to see off Linfield in the All Island Cup quarter-final.
This contest in Headford evening was never comfortable for the home side, but still it was a game that they should have won with a greater degree of comfort. For the duration, they created the greater amount of chances, but having gone behind early on, they needed an additional time winner from Emma Doherty to secure their passage to the last four.
While a Megan Bell finish gave the Northern Ireland side the lead on 36 minutes, United missed a number of opportunities to get back into it, before they levelled matters on 50 minutes when Isabella Beletic headed in an Aoibheann Costello corner to tie up matters at 1-1. The visitors did offer the occasional threat, but home custodian Amanda McQuillan was equal to the challenges thrown at her.
United looked to have taken a firm grip on the game when they made it 2-1 on 80 minutes. The chance was set up by Niamh Farrelly with a delivery over the top and McGough took full advantage to race away and tuck the ball past the advancing Woods. Shortly afterwards, the visitors were reduced to ten players when Abi Sweetlove collected a straight red card as she upended Costello when the Milltown native was through on goal.
However, the game took an unexpected turn on 84 minutes when Linfield levelled matters at 2-2. A free kick from halfway should not have posed a threat to the home side, but no one tracked the run of Cora Chambers as she beat the advancing McQuillan to the dropping ball and, in the process, headed the equaliser into an empty net.
Galway United responded to the setback in a positive manner and Aoibhin Donnolly and McGough went close, before the magical goal arrived on 91 minutes. It was Costello who provided the initial thrust and when McGough was denied by 'keeper Woods, Doherty was following up to fire home the rebound for a dramatic late winner.
In the last four, Galway United will enjoy a home meeting with a Peamount United side who caused something of an upset with a 1-0 away win over Shamrock Rovers, while Shelbourne and Bohemians will contest the other semi-final. Phil Trill's charges return to Women's National League action on Saturday when they host second from bottom Waterford in Headford (5pm).
Galway United: McQuillan, Griffin, Grant, Dossen, Cotter (Thompson 62), Beletic, Farrelly, Costello, McKey (McGough 72), Donnelly, Doherty.