Treaty United too strong for DLR Waves in Women's FAI Cup quarter-final clash

TREATY United have beaten DLR Waves on a scoreline of 2-0 in the Sport Direct Women's FAI Cup quarter-final at the UCD Bowl.

READ MORE: Champions Adare edge past Rathkeale in the Limerick Senior Football Championship

It was the second time in the space of a week that the sides met, having played each other in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division last Saturday night at the Markets Field. 

Treaty took all three points in that tie, with Bella Flocchini continuing her fine form in front of goal to give her side the win.

League form doesn't always carry over into cup competitions but Sean Russell's side showed a real sense of professionalism in dispatching of their Dublin opponents this quarter-final tie.

The opening quarter was mistake laden for both sides. Neither team could grab a foothold on the game, the rate of turnovers was high with nerves perhaps playing their part. 

The first real chance of the game came just after 15 minutes when Bella Flocchini played Ciara Breslin in behind with a through ball, Breslin's effort however was comfortably claimed by Badana in the DLR net. 

Minutes later it was Flocchini who was on the end of a through ball in behind. Left-back Ayaka Ikeza drove at the heart of the DLR defence before off-loading the ball to her American team-mate.

Flocchini's effort, similar to Breslin's minutes earlier, causing Badana no real problems between the sticks. 

The 24th minute saw the first water break of the day, giving both sets of teams the chance to draw breath on what was a humid day in the capital. 

The best chance of the opening 45' came moments after the re-start from that water break. Katie Lawlee, who was busy down the Treaty left-hand side, picked out the onrushing Ciara Breslin with a great cross.

Unfortunately Breslin's headed effort rattled the crossbar and stayed out. The search for the game's opening goal went on. 

The Shannonsiders began to turn the screw as the half wore on. Lawlee again found Breslin moments later with another cross but the DLR defence was able to keep her effort out. 

Chances came at a premium for both sides as the half came to a close. Treaty were well on top in every stat but the scoreline as they continued to dominate possession and push for the opener.

Flocchini and Robbins continued to sting the palms of Badana with some long-range efforts as the half drew to a close but despite the mounting pressure from the Limerick side, the teams went in level at the break.

Treaty started the second-half with intent. Madelyn Robbins picked up the ball on the right-wing before cutting inside  beautifully to finish smartly to the back of the net. 

The scoreboard now accurately reflected the state of play as Sean Russell's side took a well deserved lead in the 48th minute.

Robbins came close to doubling her side's lead on the hour mark when yet another Lawlee cross was delivered to the back-post. Robbins came agonisingly close to getting a toe on Lawlee's effort and in doing so grabbing her second goal of the game.

Treaty were beginning to play with a degree of confidence and swagger as the second half reached its mid-way point.

This was epitomised in the 65th minute when Women's Premier Division top-scorer Bella Flocchini rifled a long-range effort into the roof of the net to give her side the comfort of a two-goal lead. 

Treaty's lead was almost halved on 72 minutes when DLR Waves' substitutes Abbie Brophy and Aisling Meehan combined. 

Brophy made a lung-busting run down Treaty's left-hand side before pulling a cross back to the top of the six-yard box.

Unfortunately for the home side Meehan was unable to convert, her effort hitting Tuomi's left-hand post and away from danger. 

The closing 15 minutes saw few chances for either team as Sean Russell's kept their Dublin opponents at bay with relative ease. 

The Limerick's side 2-0 win ensures them a safe passage into the final four of the FAI Cup for the first time since 2020 where they were defeated 2-0 by Cork City.

Treaty join Shamrock Rovers in the semi-finals after the south Dublin side knocked reigning champions Shelbourne out of the competition last night. 

Next up for Treaty United is a a trip to Wexford Town in the Women's Premier Division on Saturday evening. 

TREATY UNITED: Liisa Tuomi, Kate Jones, Mara McCleary, Clodagh Daly, Ayaka Ikeza (Cotter 85'), Madison McGuane (McInerney 72'), Jillian O'Toole (c), Madelyn Robbins, Bella Flocchini, Katie Lawlee (Dignam 85'), Ciara Breslin (Keenan 72'). 

DLR WAVES: Eve Badana, Leah Donnelly, Chloe McCarthy (Peare 68'), Keelin Dodd, Jess Gleeson (c) (McMahon 33'), Rachel Doyle (Meehan 54'), Neema Nyangasi, Amber Cosgrove (Cullen 68'), Cliodhna Donnelly, Michelle Doonan (Brophy 68'), Eve Conheady.