McDermott saves day in thrilling final

FC Shamrocks sealed their place in the 2011 Broomedesliga Final with a dramatic penalty shoot-out win against Nancy Girls.

It was a cruel way for the Nancy Girls to bow out.

A third place finish from the team is an indication of how strong the women’s competition has become.

In a see-sawing tussle between two great sides the lead changed several times.

Shannon Howard again proved she is one of the league’s up and coming stars with a hat trick for the Nancy Girls.

Tara Bilston was solid at the back keeping Shamrocks’ superstar Melina Cole-Manolis goalless.

But FC Shamrocks has had the momentum in recent weeks and showed great team spirit with Alicia Gabb and Lexie Tang-Wei providing plenty of entertainment.

The Shamrocks looked to have the game won, but a Nancy Girls equaliser in the final minutes saw a tie at 5-5 and took the game into a dreaded penalty shoot out.

The Shamrocks missed their first two penalties with two good saves from goalie Julia Marley.

At 2-0 down it looked like the Shamrocks’ title dreams were over.

But Shamrocks have proved they know how to hold their nerve in close games and once again showed impressive composure.

Alicia Gabb kept them in the game with the Shamrocks’ third to give them hope.

Enter one Erin McDermott.

The Shamrocks’ tough talking goal keeper saved Nancy Kennedy’s strike and Sarah Campbell blasted home her penalty to claw the greens level.

Tara Bilston was then denied by McDermott at full stretch.

Lexie Tang-Wei made it three for the Shamrocks and Nancy Girls goalkeeper Julia Marley needed to score to stay in the game.

Her penalty was struck well, but McDermott was up to the task parrying the ball into the air.

For a moment it looked like the ball would spiral into the goal, but a second handbag-esque swat from McDermott saved the day, and the celebrations began.