A scoreless stalemate between Athlone Town and Galway United ended in an agonising penalty shootout which saw the hosts hold their nerve to win, 5-4 and reach the FAI Cup last eight.

Having returned to WPD clashes in winning ways, both sides were looking to push on in the Cup, Galway eyeing more potential silverware after their Avenir All-Island Cup success.

Athlone had the clearest early chance, last week’s scorers against Sligo Rovers combining as Chloe Singleton strode forward, playing in Dana Scheriff who saw her strike repelled behind well by away keeper, Jessica Berlin. 

Although the first half was played at a thrilling pace, clearcut scoring opportunities were in low supply, both teams’ somewhat cancelling each other out.

Eight minutes from the interval, Galway went closest striking the woodwork from a corner, as Aislinn Meaney then fizzed in a fierce volley which forced home netminder, Katie Keane to tip behind.

Gibson scooped over the top late in the half, stalemate after forty-five minutes.

The theme of snatched final passes and dominant defences continued into the start of the second half, both sides showing neat buildup but lacking the finesse to finish it off.

Then came the best move of the match, slick one-touch passing sending Athlone on the attack, Singleton’s cross meeting the head of Roisin Molloy which flashed wide.

In an attritional encounter, Galway showed substance over style, forcing Keane into another stop from a corner, another set piece forcing a scrambled home clearance as the visitors looked for a late breakthrough.

However, with both defences on high alert, we headed into extra time at the Athlone Town Stadium.

Five corners in ten extra time minutes came to nought for the hosts, Gibson forced off through injury as penalties started to come into sight on the horizon.

Despite running on empty, Molloy and Scheriff continued to shine as Athlone pushed hard, just lacking the crucial final touch to unlock a resolute Galway backline.

So, to a penalty shootout we went, four flawless penalties from Scheriff, Therese Kinnevey, Singleton, and Kate Thompson leaving it locked at 2-2.

The pendulum then lurched Galway’s way, Katie Slevin’s effort saved by Berlin as substitute Annie Gough put the visitors 3-2 up.

Molloy and Jamie Erickson held their nerve, slotting in as did Kayleigh Shine leaving Galway captain, Jenna Slattery with a chance to win it.

Keane, though, had other ideas, saving miraculously to cue delight as Gillian Keenan then converted to leave Athlone a kick away from progression.

The roof then came off as Galway captain, Lynsey McKey struck the bar with her kick, Keane mobbed by her teammates as it ended cruelly for the visitors and in delirium for the home faithful. A second occasion the hosts have won the dreaded shootout in Lissywollen this year.

Athlone will face the winners of Cabinteely v Bohemians (tomorrow, 2pm KO), in the Cup next.

It’s a return to the league next weekend as Athlone travel to Tolka Park for an afternoon encounter with Shelbourne (2pm KO) with Galway also on the road at Dalymount Park, facing Bohemians an hour later (3pm KO).