Eureka Secondary School, Kells 2/2 Alexandra College, Milltown (AET)
Eureka win 4/2 on pens
HOLDERS Eureka Secondary School survived a late comeback from Alexandra College to win today’s FAI Schools Senior Girls Leinster Cup Final 4/2 on penalties at Leixlip United FC (February 24)
Caroline Healy’s last/minute penalty completed the Milltown schools’ incredible comeback after Rachel Healy had reduced Eureka’s two/goal advantage with only 16 minutes remaining:
Alexandra were unable to capitalize on their second chance in extra time and after Eureka goalkeeper Jennifer Newman saved from Emily Beatty and Erica Hinkson in the shootout, Shianne Swarres stroked home the winning penalty:
Following a close/fought opening 45 minutes, Eureka looked to be cruising towards retaining their title when substitute Rebecca Goodwin headed home at the back post from a corner 10 minutes into the second half:
Two minutes later the Kells side doubled their advantage when Alexandra goalkeeper Cathlina Ni Mhaighin was unable to keep out another substitute, Roisin McFadden’s, shot from the edge of the box:
Despite Newman’s superb save from Caroline Healy in the closing stages, namesake Rachel finished from close range to give Alexandra hope, before Caroline stroked home from the spot in added time after a handball in the Eureka box:
Eureka progress to the All Ireland Semi Final series where they will come up against Ulster Champions Moville Community College on March 6 in Monaghan United FC (KO 12:30pm):
ALEXANDRA COLLEGE: Cathlina Ni Mhaighin, Rachel Healy, Grace Conway, Sophie Gleeson, Erica Hinkson, Cathy McEvoy, Catalina Parga, Juliet Beatty, Aidean Cowley, Emily Beatty, Aishlin Nugent, Caroline Healy, Louise McCallum, Anna Roopnerasing, Emily Shannon, Ceara Dorman, Kealon O’Mahoney, Pia Diepman:
Teacher:Dave Collins
EUREKA SECONDARY SCHOOL: Jennifer Newman; Kelly Tormey, Aoife Brady, Sharon Mullen, Niamh O’Keefe, Cara Brady, Joanna Byrne, Jackie Kavanagh, Shianne Swarres, Leah Newman, Edwina Olwill, Rebecca Goodwin, Ciara Carry, Aine Bennett, Roisin McFadden:
Teacher:Leonard Noone
