Bohemians overcame Peamount United in a thrilling tie at Dalymount Park, thanks to first-half goals from Alannah McEvoy and Katie Malone, although Ellen Dolan's second-half penalty set up a nervy finish as the reigning league champions fell at the first hurdle in this season's 2024 Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup.
In one of the standout ties in the first round, both sides came bouncing into the encounter following big home wins in the league last weekend. Bohs overcame Sligo Rovers 1-0 this day last week, while Peamount came from behind to grab all three points against title hopefuls Athlone Town.
The hosts looked comfortable in the opening exchanges as classy youngster Aoibhe Brennan pulled the strings in the middle of the park, looking to release wide attackers McEvoy and Sarah McKevitt at every opportunity.
But the two-time Cup winners from Newcastle soon settled as the all-action Dolan, again deployed on the left wing, tried to exert her own influence on the game.
It was the home side who looked more threatening. Tiegan Ruddy stepped out of defence before unleashing an incredible looping strike from 30 yards that narrowly missed the top corner.
Minutes later, Bohs got the goal their good play deserved when ex-Peamount forward McEvoy snuck in around the back post to latch onto McKevitt's inviting cross from the left.
As expected, James O'Callaghan's charges responded in a determined manner, with recent arrival Michelle Doonan going close on two occasions but failing to make proper connection inside the area.
Ireland U-19 International Dolan was in the mood, smashing the post from distance before international colleague Jess Fitzgerald saw her free-kick from 25-yards go agonisingly close, grazing the roof of the net.
On the stroke of half-time, the hosts doubled their lead when they pressed high, nicked the ball and took off. Malone played a one-two before finishing past the helpless Niamh Reid-Burke.
The Peas tried desperately to claw their way back into the game, pushing last week's match winner Karen Duggan into midfield after the break to force the hosts back, but were met time and time again by an extremely well organised Bohs rearguard, marshalled by the excellent Ruddy.
But just as it seemed it wasn’t going to be their day, the visitors were handed a lifeline when Sarah Power was adjudged to have brought down Dolan in the area. The 18-year-old showed great composure to dust herself down and slot home the penalty, halving the deficit and setting up a grandstand finish.
Corner after corner rained in on Rachael Kelly’s goal but, thankfully for the vociferous Bohs support in situ, none found the target as Bohs managed to get over the line and book their place in the second round.
Bohemian FC: Rachael Kelly, Lisa Murphy, Tiegan Ruddy, Fiona Donnelly (Shauna Carroll, 87), Aoibhe Brennan, Sarah McKevitt (Antea Guvo, 90+4), Alannah McEvoy, Katherine Malone, Sarah Power, Katie Lovely, Aoibhe Fleming (Savannah Kane, 15).
Peamount United: Niamh Reid-Burke, Lauryn O’Callaghan, Chloe Moloney, Rebecca Watkins, Freya Healy (Carla McManus, 68) , Jess Fitzgerald, Ellen Dolan, Karen Duggan, Dearbhaile Beirne, Ciara Maher (Jetta Berrill, 46), Michelle Doonan (Aoife Brophy, 78).
Referee: Daryl Carolan
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