Galway United’s grip on All-Island Cup comes to an end

Wexford 1

GALWAY United's reign as undisputed All-Island Cup champions came to an end at Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday evening when they fell in timid fashion to a Wexford side who produced one of the few moments of magic to secure the match-winning goal.

It was the third year in succession that the teams met at the semi-final stage, with Galway winning on the previous occasions following penalty shoot-outs, before going on to claim the trophy.

There is no doubt that the home side will look back on the game and feel they should have got something from it. Twice they struck the woodwork, but outside of that United just did not do enough to assert themselves on the game.

One of the few moments of real magic was produced by Ellen Molloy who secured the match-winner on 62 minutes. Mind you, the home side were somewhat complicit in their own downfall, as the Irish International gathered possession outside the box, before she skipped away from three players – none of whom put in a challenge.

Molloy continued to advance unchallenged to the edge of the box from where she slammed a cracking left footed effort beyond the reach of 'keeper Nix for a 1-0 advantage.

Thereafter, a change of formation from a Galway point of view helped them offer a greater threat in the last half hour, but on only one occasion did they threaten to get back into the game.

Up to this stage, Galway United operated with a “ghost” centre forward. Emma Doherty and Chloe Bergin werer their strike force, but both played wide on their respective flanks, resulting in any deliveries from them only finding a Wexford player as the visitors reigned supreme in the central defensive positions, with the home side struggling to get support players into the box.

However, the introduction of Rola Olusola on the right wing just after the hour mark allowed Doherty move into a central striking role and at least United now had a target to aim for and, indeed, it almost rescued the game.

On a day when scoring chances were rare, Doherty got on the end of an excellent Olusola delivery on 84 minutes, but from in front of goal, her header clipped the outside of a post and went wide. It was the potential rescue moment, but such are the pitfalls of sport.

Injuries are taking their toll on Phil Trill's young side and unfortunately, United were missing three of their more senior players for the big occasion. Central midfielder Niamh Farrelly is one of the real leaders in the team, but on this occasion she missed the game due to suspension.

Pictured: Galway United's Therese Kinnevey at full stretch against Orlaith Conlon of Wexford during Saturday's All-Island Cup semi-final at Eamonn Deacy Park. Photo: Joe O'Shaughnessy.