Bohemians return to SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division action this Saturday when they host Cork City at Dalymount Park (3pm), looking to respond positively to the disappointment of last weekend’s All Island Cup final defeat against Wexford at Ferrycarrig Park, writes GARY O’CONNOR.
It was a dramatic and, ultimately, heartbreaking afternoon for the Gypsies, who looked to be on course for a first piece of major silverware. Alannah McEvoy struck in the first half to give Bohs a deserved lead, capping off a strong opening performance. But Wexford equalised after the hour mark and the game went to penalties. In the shootout, it was the home side who held their nerve, winning 5–3 to lift the trophy.
Reflecting on the game, manager Alban Hysa admitted it was a difficult one to accept, especially given the control his team enjoyed in the opening 45 minutes.
“It’s hard to go out on penalties, especially when we should have been home and dry in the first half with the way we played,” he said. “We gave away a sloppy goal due to a couple of mistakes, and after that we weren’t playing the same way as we had in the first half. That comes down to inexperience. The players haven’t been in that position before but it will serve us well going forward.”
While disappointment lingered immediately afterwards, Hysa has been encouraged by the way his squad have responded in the days since, quickly shifting their focus to the challenges that remain.
“The players were obviously a bit disappointed with the outcome because we wanted to be the first team to bring a trophy home, which is understandable,” he explained. “But we’ve been able to reset and move forward to Saturday. There is still a lot to play for this season, and the focus now is on delivering a strong finish.”
And there is plenty still at stake. Bohs currently sit seventh in the table on 23 points, with six league games remaining. They are also preparing for a huge FAI Cup semi-final at Dalymount Park next weekend, when Treaty United will visit for the right to contest the Tallaght Stadium showpiece in October. For Hysa and his players, that means momentum and confidence are vital heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
This Saturday, however, all attention is on Cork City, who make the trip to Dalymount in search of points at the bottom end of the table. Bohs came out on top when the sides last met in May, with centre-halves Roisin McGovern and Lisa Murphy scoring in a 2–0 win at Turner’s Cross.
Hysa, though, insists his players cannot afford to underestimate their visitors.
“Cork have been on the up, they got a good draw in their last game and they’ll represent a real threat, especially as we’re coming off a disappointing result,” he said.
One of the standout positives from last Sunday’s final was the sight and sound of the Bohs supporters, who travelled in their numbers to get behind the team. It was a moment that highlighted the growing bond between the women’s team and the club’s wider support, and Hysa said their presence was felt deeply on the pitch.
“It was amazing to see the support from the fans and to hear them, it makes a real difference,” he said. “Unfortunately we weren’t in a position to give them the joy they deserved at the end, but hopefully we can bring them out again for another final soon. The fans have been with us right through the season, and we’re really looking forward to seeing them again on Saturday against Cork.”
With the Women’s Premier Division entering its closing stretch, Bohs will be eager to build on the progress they have made this season and carry momentum into both the league run in and their cup semi final. The lessons of the All Island Cup final, the good and the bad, will provide valuable experience for a side still developing under Hysa’s guidance.
Team News
Bohemians are without Katie McCarn (ankle), Shauna Carroll (foot) and Aoibhe Fleming (foot).
