Shelbourne 1-0 Cork City

Saoirse Noonan returned to haunt her former club with a late winner to book Shelbourne's spot in the FAI Cup semi-finals at the expense of Cork City.

Noonan, whose last game for her hometown club came in last season's final against Peamount United, netted the game's only goal in clinical fashion 11 minutes from time.

A City side in transition went toe-to-toe with the league leaders, with teenage goalkeeper Abby McCarthy outstanding between the sticks, but couldn't hold out for extra time.

McCarthy pulled off a string of top-class saves to keep the Reds at bay, with a stunning stop to deny half-time substitute Sarah Rowe a debut goal a particular highlight.

Ireland winger Jessica Ziu had twice seen the woodwork deny her an opener as the home side cut an increasingly frustrated picture before top scorer Noonan did what she does best.

There were just seven minutes on the clock when Ziu stabbed the ball past McCarthy and prepared to celebrate before the post came to the visitors' rescue.

McCarthy pulled off a magnificent double stop then to keep the scores level, pushing Noonan's effort clear before bouncing up to deny Alex Kavanagh at the back post.

The 19-year-old would be the bane of Noonan's afternoon for 79 minutes as she kept out the striker's header while, at the other end, Becky Cassin drove over.

Sarah McKevitt might have done better after Laura Shine had charged down an Amanda Budden clearance, while Shaunagh McCarthy also went close on the break.

City's purple patch continued into the second half as Eve Mangan forced ex-City keeper Budden into action, but gradually Shels reasserted their superiority.

Rowe, who signed a short-term deal after returning from Australia, where she plays AFL for Collingwood, replaced Kavanagh on the wing at half time.

She called McCarthy into action twice in quick succession, the second effort bound for the top corner before the keeper somehow clawed it past the post.

Ziu was denied by the post once more moments later but the Reds were rewarded for their endeavour with 11 minutes remaining.

Rowe beat McCarthy to a loose ball on the edge of the box and it sat up nicely for Noonan to slot into an empty net from 25 yards.

Shels had further chances through Jessie Stapleton, whose free kick was deflected over, and Rowe as Noel King's closed out the game on the front foot.

Shelbourne: Amanda Budden; Jess Gargan, Pearl Slattery, Jessie Stapleton, Rachel Graham; Chloe Mustaki (Leah Doyle 90+1), Ciara Grant, Noelle Murray; Jessica Ziu, Alex Kavanagh (Sarah Rowe 46), Saoirse Noonan.

Cork City: Abbie McCarthy; Leah Murphy (Lauren Walsh 77), Danielle Burke, Ciara McNamara, Nathalie O'Brien (Kelly Leahy 89); Eve Mangan, Becky Cassin (Lauren Singleton 89), Christina Dring; Sarah McKevitt, Shaunagh McCarthy, Laura Shine.

Meanwhile, Wexford Youths came from behind to advance following a 3-1 win over Athlone Town.

Emily Corbett had put Athlone ahead in the 19th minute, but Ciara Rossiter drew Wexford level with a curling free kick on the half-hour mark.

It was Rossiter who struck for the second too with an excellent finish from distance as she was slipping while Ellen Molloy wrapped up the win in the final moments.