Bohs hold their nerve to land dramatic cup crown
The Bohemians FC team celebrate after beating Tramore to win the Waterford Schoolgirls U18A Cup at workLab Connors Park last Sunday.
Amy Byrne emerged as the hero for Bohemians as she converted the winning spot-kick to seal a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Tramore AFC in the Waterford Schoolgirls U18A Cup Final at workLAB Connors Park on Sunday.
Bohs made the perfect start when they grabbed the lead inside the opening minute, but Tramore responded superbly to level before half-time. Despite soaring temperatures and 120 minutes of football, the sides could not be separated, serving up an excellent cup final before penalties eventually decided the destination of the trophy.
Bohemians got off to a flying start from the kick-off. Tamsyn Roche picked out Lily Codd on the edge of the Tramore penalty area and the striker turned sharply before firing a right-footed effort into the far corner beyond the diving Niamh Woods.
To their credit, Tramore responded strongly and created a number of opportunities. On five minutes, Saoirse Daly raced on to a pass from Ellie Gillane but pulled her effort wide of the far post.
Bohs threatened again on 16 minutes when captain Nicole McCarthy met a cross with a first-time volley, only for Woods to gather comfortably.
Tramore's persistence was rewarded on 39 minutes. Attacking down the right flank, Maebh Barry supplied a pass to Georgie Hertridge, who unleashed a superb right-footed strike from 18 yards that flew into the top corner.
Bohs nearly regained the lead before the break when McCarthy's corner found the head of Myah Murphy, but Charlotte Brennan was perfectly positioned to head clear from the goal line.
Tramore began the second half brightly and almost went ahead three minutes after the restart. Hertridge threaded a wonderful pass into the path of Ella Vaughan, who broke into the area, but Bohs goalkeeper Jessica Voldan reacted quickly to make a brave save at her feet.
On the hour mark, Bohs enjoyed a strong spell of pressure. McCarthy released winger Emily O'Reilly into the box and, although Woods blocked the initial effort, Brooke Power recovered brilliantly to clear the danger as the ball headed towards goal.
With eight minutes remaining, Ruby Starmer's long ball sent Millie Brett through on goal, but the Tramore winger could only find the side-netting.
Bohs finished the stronger side. Five minutes from time, they won a free-kick on the left, but McCarthy's effort drifted just wide of the far post. Moments later, she tested Woods again with another free-kick, but the Tramore keeper produced a fine save at her near post.
Tramore created the better openings during the second period of extra time. Mia Flanagan delivered a dangerous cross that found Daly unmarked in the area, only for Bohs defender Fiona Ngogang to clear off the line.
Minutes later, Hertridge sent Vaughan clear through on goal, but Ngogang once again came to Bohs' rescue with a vital last-ditch tackle.
With the teams still level after extra time, penalties were required. Bohs held their nerve to win the shoot-out 4-3, with Amy Byrne stepping up to drive home the decisive spot-kick.
Following the final whistle, Lynne Casey presented Bohs captain Nicole McCarthy with the Waterford Schoolgirls U18A Cup, while goalscorer Lily Codd was named Player of the Match.
Jessica Voldan, Sophie Shanahan, Tamsyn Roche, Fiona Ngogang, Amy Byrne, Hope Halligan, Emily O'Reilly, Myah Murphy, Lily Codd, Nicole McCarthy, Freya O'Keeffe, Zoey O'Mahony, Robynn Baillieul.
Niamh Woods, Ella Vaughan, Brooke Power, Charlotte Brennan, Alice O'Connor, Ruby Starmer, Maebh Barry, Ellie Gillane, Saoirse Daly, Georgie Hertridge, Mia Flanagan, Millie Brett.
Trystan Russell, assisted by Paul Butler and Adrian Scanlon.
