Shelbourne W vs Bohemians WFC W

Shelbourne controlled the early tempo and broke through in the 20th minute. Jess Gargan, presented with a commemorative shirt before kick-off for reaching 150 appearances in red, delivered a cross from the right that sailed over Bohemians goalkeeper Rachael Kelly and nestled inside the far post following slick build-up play through midfield.

Bohemians responded by pressing higher, and winger Katie Malone forced Shelbourne keeper Mya Sanchez into a sharp low save. But the visitors could not turn pressure into a goal before half-time, with Shelbourne taking a 1-0 lead into the break.

The game tilted decisively in Shelbourne's favour after the restart. In the 50th minute, captain Pearl Slattery rose highest in a crowded box from an excellent delivery, and Watkins was on hand to prod the ball home. Nine minutes later, almost identical patterns — another Slattery aerial duel, another Watkins finish from close range — made it 3-0.

Olivia Damico had a goal ruled out for a foul on Kelly, but the fourth arrived in the third minute of stoppage time. Substitute Halle Harcourt, who rescued a point with a spectacular overhead kick the previous week, broke the offside trap and smashed home to cap the scoring with the last kick of the game.

Watkins's quickfire double inside nine minutes at the start of the second half (50' and 58') killed the contest. Before that, Bohemians had shown signs of a fightback after conceding the opener. Watkins's two goals, both finished from close range after Slattery won the aerial duel from set-piece deliveries, gave Shelbourne an unassailable lead and drained Bohs' momentum entirely.

Rebecca Watkins — Player of the Match. The flying winger tormented Bohemians down the right flank all afternoon. Her two second-half goals (50', 58') sealed the win, and she also created a first-half chance for Maeve Wollmer whose shot was blocked by Ciara Maher. Her direct running and composure in the box made the difference.

Jess Gargan — Scored the crucial opener on her 150th appearance. Composed at right-back and delivered the cross that broke the deadlock.

Pearl Slattery — The Shelbourne captain dominated in the air, winning the headers that set up both of Watkins's goals.

Halle Harcourt — The teenage forward made an instant impact off the bench (64'), scoring the fourth in stoppage time — her second goal in as many appearances after an overhead-kick equaliser the previous week.

Shelbourne's 4-0 scoreline reflected a clinical second-half display after a tighter first period. The home side led 1-0 at half-time — the game was still in the balance. Watkins's brace inside nine minutes after the restart turned a narrow lead into a runaway victory. Bohemians' best chance came through Katie Malone's first-half shot saved by Sanchez, but they managed just two efforts on target across the 90 minutes. Shelbourne's three second-half goals came from sustained pressure and quality from wide areas, with Watkins and Slattery combining effectively from deliveries into the box.

Shelbourne avenged last season's semi-final defeat at the hands of the same opponents and reached their first Women's All-Island Cup final. They will host Galway United at Tolka Park on 18 July (kick-off 7:35pm). Galway booked their place in the final by beating Peamount United 1-1 (5-3 on penalties).

For Bohemians, who reached the last two finals, the defeat ends their run of cup final appearances. They return to SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division action.

A thoroughly professional performance from Shelbourne who grew into the game after a nervy opening half-hour and overpowered their neighbours after the break. Watkins's two-goal burst was the difference between a tense knockout tie and a rout. The Reds now have 18 days to prepare for a first cup final appearance against Galway United — a fixture that carries genuine silverware ambitions.