Gallery- Thomastown United march into Leinster Women’s Shield final

The Thomastown United Women’s team have kept their hopes of back-to-back Leinster Junior Shield titles alive and kicking - but they had to dig out a big win in Wexford to do so!

United made the short trip to take on Campile United, but faced a tough task in their semi-final.

The game started off very well for Thomastown, who put a lot of pressure on the Campile defence, but the home side stood tall and soaked up everything that was thrown at them. Thomastown took their foot off the gas a little, allowing their hosts to capitalise and take the lead through Avril Ennis on 20 minutes.

Rather than fold, United used their experience and hit back. It took them just two minutes to post a reply, Eva Hynes doing the damage when she rose highest to meet a cross and powered her header into the net.

Stung by that goal Campile pressed and pressed, but Thomastown’s defence proved strong and kept them at bay until half-time, when the sides went in all square at 1-1.

The second half saw Thomastown open with a renewed effort, and they quickly got their reward. The game had just ticked over the hour mark when Kate Drennan, fresh off the bench, found herself in the perfect position to seize on a poor clearance and blast home, giving the Blues the lead.

Campile heads didn’t drop, however. They fought back and kept pressing, but in a solid team display Thomastown kept them out.

With the game ticking on Thomastown began to increase their hold on the game, putting a lot more pressure on the Campile defence.

Katie Grace kept the tempo going, making a trademark run down the right wing before winning Thomastown a free 25 yards out near the sideline. Eva Hynes put in an inch-perfect cross that was met by Sinead Whelan - her bullet-like header shook the net. Thomastown were now 3-1 to the good, a lead they held onto until the final whistle.

Thomastown are now back in the Women’s Junior Shield Final. There they await the winners of the semi-final between Bunclody and Bellurgan United, a game which will be played this weekend.

Campile United - Sutton; Amy Ennis, Dempsey, Kinsella, Murphy; Kent, Wallace, Kielthy, Avril Ennis; S Murphy, Thomas.

Thomastown United - Moran; Kenneally, Lannon, Cody, Hanney; O’Shea, Hudson, Hynes, Persse; Grace, Whelan.

Subs: Drennan, Ryan, Corcoran.