Athlone Town manager Tommy Hewitt was furious with the match officials after their 2-0 loss to Shelbourne in the women’s FAI Cup final.
Two early goals for Shelbourne from Jess Stapleton and Pearl Slattery gave Shelbourne a commanding lead, with Hewitt unhappy with the decision to give both goals.
As Athlone grew into the game in the second half, they thought they were right back in the final through Scarlett Herron’s header, but it was controversially ruled out for offside.
Replays showed it was a harsh decision to give as it was extremely close, which infuriated Tommy Hewitt when he spoke to RTÉ after the game.
'It's not even close in my eyes - it's a goal'
Athlone manager Tommy Hewitt wasn't happy with the officiating in today's FAI Cup final #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/RzpR0hafaO— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 6, 2022
“My team in the second half were absolutely immense. You are asking people to do their jobs, we’ve worked all year for this moment and then we get let down by a few decisions.
The second goal, I thought it wasn’t a goal either to be honest with you. I thought the free kick was a bit dubious, and then for us to score at that vital time and for it to be ruled offside.
I thought if that goal was allowed, we probably would have went on and won the game. I just seen it Tony before I came over here and spoke to you, it’s not even close in my eyes, it’s a goal.
It’s beyond my control.”
Shelbourne Complete The Double
Shelbourne became the first side since Cork City in 2017 to the League and Cup double as two goals in the first half secured FAI Cup glory in Tallaght stadium.
The first was from a free-kick that was swung in from Alex Kavanagh that the Athlone goalkeeper couldn’t keep hold of and hit the back of Stapleton and over the line. Despite appeals, the goal stood.
Shelbourne take the lead against Athlone Town in the FAI Cup final as Alex Kavanagh's free kick ends up in the net
⌨️ Updates: https://t.co/bJeT6ywW0I
📺 Watch: https://t.co/Sj5Nfb8eH2 pic.twitter.com/SVO1UPYyU1— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 6, 2022
The second goal was also goal mouth controversy, as Athlone failed to defend the corner and Slattery headed home from close range as Shelbourne took control of the game.
Pearl Slattery heads home from close range as Shelbourne take command of the FAI Cup final against Athlone
⌨️ Updates: https://t.co/bJeT6ywW0I
📺 Watch: https://t.co/Sj5Nfb8eH2 #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/9pTxhNnEYv— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 6, 2022
Athlone were much improved in the second half and thought they pulled a goal back through Herron, but was controversially ruled out for offside, much to Hewitt’s frustrations.
A game of milimetres - Athlone Town see Scarlett Herron's header ruled out for offside
⌨️ Updates: https://t.co/bJeT6ywW0I
📺 Watch: https://t.co/Sj5Nfb8eH2 #RTESoccer pic.twitter.com/WCYBQy09Qq— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 6, 2022
The result rounded off a famous year for Shelbourne, who secured the league title last week.
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