Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair edged out in thrilling FAIS National Cup semi-final

CBS New Ross came from behind to see past a talented Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair in a phenomenal seven goal thriller in the FAI Schools Junior ‘B’ Girls National Cup semi-final (U-17, Small Schools) at Oriel Park, Dundalk on Tuesday.

CBS New Ross 4-3 Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair

It was an unbelievable outing between two brilliant sides. The lead changed on three occasions and the Gweedore side must have thought they had the game wrapped up with a 3-1 lead with twenty minutes remaining.

But Nora Purcell was the hero for the Wexford side as she netted a hat-trick to help them maintain their title ambitions again this season. The match winner from Emma Rossiter was sublime so it took something special to overcome Michelle Uí Fhearghuasa’s charges.

The first chance of the game fell to Emma Rossiter from a long range free kick but the superb Roisin Ni Chasaide was on hand to palm the ball past the near post inside 7 minutes.

Nora Purcell popped up to break through the Gweedore defence ten minutes later when the bounce of the ball deceived Ní Chasaide as she dived hard to the left peg but the ball slipped underneath her.

Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair saw themselves level proceedings from the penalty spot on 25 minutes as Fia Nic Giolla Chomhaill converted cooly.

New Ross found themselves under the cosh three minutes from the interval as Maryanne Nic a Bhaird rocked the woodwork while Maria Ni Ghallchoir saw two of her rebounded efforts saved by the hardworking Ellie O’Connell between the posts.

However, seconds later Maryanne Nic aA Bhaird beat the keeper for Gweedore’s second of the afternoon. It was 2-1 to the Ulster stars at the break.

Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair netted their third goal two minutes into the restart courtesy of Maria Ní hEidhin

Michelle Uí Fhearghuasa's side seemed to be in the driving seat as they drove forward with only twenty minutes remaining.

However Nora Purcell brought them to within one as she grabbed a vital goal inside the 18 yard box. Her second of the day to take the contest to 3-2.

A New Ross short corner nearly paid dividends for Barry Fitzpatrick’s team but for some alert goalkeeping from Roisin Ni Chasaide to keep them ahead with 15 minutes left.

Again it was Nora Purcell who netted the elusive equaliser on the hour mark, 3-3 with 10 minutes remaining. A wonderful yet tense period in the game as both sides went on the hunt for the match winner. A worldie from Emma Rossiter was to prove decisive as the long range effort hit the top corner from 30 yards out.

The Donegal school tried in vain to grab another equaliser inside the final nine minutes but the New Ross girls did enough in defence to thwart their advances on goal.

CBS New Ross: Ellie O’Connell, Keelin Juul Jensen, Tara Doyle Maher, Molly Browne, Niamh Doyle Maher, Abi Rossiter, Abbie Wallace, Emma Rossiter, Ruby Kirwin, Nora Purcell, Abbey Gaffney. Subs: Mairead McDonald for N Doyle Maher (HT), Cria Doyle Maher for Kirwin (45), Ismena Ferbes, Emma Codd, Kelsey Lonergan.
Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair: Róisin Ní Chasaide, Neasa Nic Pháidin, Eibhlín Ní Bhaoill, Brídín Ní hEidhin, Eva Ní Dhuibhir, Áine Ní Dhuibhir, Maryanne Nic a Bhaird, Aoibhín Ní Chasaide, Fia Nic Giolla Chomhaill, Maria Ní hEidhin. Subs: Kayleigh Ní Dhomhnaill, Ciara Nic Suibhne, Sédhna Ní Churráin, Nadia Nic Aoidh, Cara Ní Dhochartaigh, Sile Ní Fhearraigh.