The return of Jess Thomas, and the strength of a defence anchored by Jemma Noordewier and Grace Rowland, saw Boomers dominate possession and chances in the first half and go to the break at 2-0.

The Glen Park outfit continued in the same vein in the second stanza, repeatedly hitting the cross bar before a beautifully weighted cross found Alana Parascos’ head in front of goal.

Coach Steve Hayes said the first 45 minutes was the best football of any women’s team he had coached at a club that has won five cups in the past six years.

“The quality of the game was outstanding — we created chances, put balls into spaces and played out of the backline with great assurance,” he said.

“We had a really good second half against Myrtleford and we played well in the first round against Hotspurs so I could see it was coming but that was fantastic football.

“We have a great blend of youth and experience — Joey Cartwright was outstanding at right back.

“She now understands the importance of overlapping runs and using her speed in that way, we know how dangerous she is up front but this adds another string to her bow.

“In the first half Noordewier and Rowland just controlled the play from the back.

“Jess Thomas coming back and few other additions means this squad is even stronger than last year — I think Thomas is probably the best player in the competition.

“But the girls are now switched on to when to run, where to run and they are just running into open spaces all day.”