Athlone Town women face former boss in FAI Cup semi-final

Athlone Town's women's team are set to take on Sligo Rovers this weekend in the FAI Cup semi-final as they seek to defend their status as current cup champions.

The Athlone ladies will travel to face a Sligo team managed by an Athlone man, and former Athlone Town manager, Tommy Hewitt, in The Showgrounds this Sunday September 22 (kick-off, 3pm).

Athlone Town goalkeeper Katie Keane insists that this competition holds a special place in her heart, so getting the opportunity to reach another final is one that she is keen to make the most of.

"It is not so much pressure but pride to try keep that title," said Keane. "It's something that we really look forward to."

In their most recent league fixture, last Saturday, Athlone Town kept alive their chances of securing a first-ever SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division title with a hard-fought 3-0 win over Treaty United at the Markets Field.

While Athlone are top of the table, Sligo are rooted to the bottom, having failed to win any of their 17 league games this season. Therefore, anything other than an Athlone win would be a major surprise on Sunday.

In the other FAI Cup semi-final, last year's runners-up Shelbourne play host to Cork City tomorrow (Saturday).

Both matches will be available to watch live on LOITV, while match tickets can be secured from the home venues.