WOMEN'S FAI CUP: DFC 4-0 CK UNITED

Dundalk WDL booked their place in the next round of the Club Orange FAI Women’s Cup with an impressive 4–0 victory over CK United at Oriel Park on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts made a strong start and could have gone ahead early on. Siún Kirby broke into the penalty area and saw her effort parried by Toyah Hennessy, with Sophie Hanlon teeing up Ernesta Marut on the follow-up, but Marut’s shot cleared the crossbar. Marut was soon denied again, this time by a fine save from Hennessy, as Dundalk continued to apply early pressure.

The breakthrough arrived after 13 minutes. Moments after CK United tested Eden Laughton Tyler for the first time, Macy Treanor delivered a precise through ball to release Hanlon, who finished confidently past the advancing Hennessy to give Dundalk a deserved lead.

CK United’s task became even more difficult four minutes later when Hennessy was sent off for handling outside the area to deny Hanlon, with substitute goalkeeper Sofia Blackmore introduced.

Dundalk capitalised on their numerical advantage, and shortly after the water break Megan O’Connor produced a superb long-range strike to double the lead.

Hanlon remained a constant threat. She was denied by Blackmore after collecting a long pass from Nana Michelle Koudjou, and moments later struck the post when through on goal again. However, she would not be denied for long, adding Dundalk’s third in the 38th minute with a composed finish from Siún Kirby’s low cross.

The home side started the second half brightly, although it was Laughton Tyler who was called into action with a sharp low save at the near post from Rebecca O’Connor, with Koudjou on hand to clear the danger.

Dundalk extended their advantage on 55 minutes, as Hanlon completed her hat-trick with a well-placed low effort from 20 yards that beat Blackmore.

Despite being reduced to ten players, CK United continued to battle throughout the second half and created several opportunities. Dundalk, meanwhile, came close to adding further goals. Kirby rattled the crossbar in the 75th minute, with Ciara Brady’s rebound saved by Blackmore. Makenzie Crowley curled an effort narrowly over from distance, while Sarah Byrne also struck the crossbar with a powerful drive.

At the other end, Laughton Tyler produced arguably the save of the match in the 82nd minute, diving to her right to turn away a well-struck free-kick from Amelia Braszka Szot.

Both sides maintained full commitment until the final whistle, but Dundalk’s quality and clinical finishing ensured a comfortable victory and progression to the next round.

Dundalk: Eden Laughton Tyler; Aoife Fanning, Abigail Martin, Nana Michelle Koudjou, Megan O’Connor; Macy Treanor, Rebekah Clavin, Siún Kirby; Shauna Smyth, Ernesta Marut, Sophie Hanlon.

Subs: Ciara Brady, Makenzie Crowley, Sarah Byrne, Jessica Cox, Jennifer Freeman, Georgia Hall, Leah Tobin, Zara Farnan.

CK United: Hennessy; Braszka Szot, Norris, H Murphy, F Murphy; Cullen, G Murphy, Appleby; McDonnell, O’Connor, Sinnott.

Subs: Blackmore (GK), Nash, Walshe, McLaughlin, O’Leary, Doyle, Canavan, O’Callaghan.