THE FINAL FULL set of Bus Éireann FAI Women’s National League fixtures before the Christmas break take place tomorrow at Turner’s Cross, Jackson Park and Greenogue as six of the seven participating teams attempt to boost their points’ tallies before the New Year.
Cork Women’s FC and Raheny United clash for the second time this term with the latter seeking a fifth league win of the season to avoid potentially falling further behind leaders Peamount United who host Castlebar Celtic FC.
In-form Wexford Youths Women’s AFC travel north to meet DLR Waves in the other WNL contest.
Cork Women’s FC v Raheny United
2pm, Sunday, Turner’s Cross.
MAURICE FARRELL will have a full complement of players available to him again on Sunday as Cork prepare to tackle Raheny.
Cork ventured to Tallaght Stadium last Sunday without a host of first-team regulars including Denise O’Sullivan (senior international duty), Ericka O’Sullivan, Claudia Hudner and Lauren Murphy.
The availability of those players to Farrell again increases his starting options greatly as the Leesiders attempt to build on the point they earned in the capital last weekend.
This Sunday’s task will be much, much tougher, however.
In the short history of WNL competition, be it league or cup, Raheny have beaten Cork in the five clashes the sides have contested including a 3-0 victory on Leeside last term.
The most recent of those five reverses occurred last September 9 when Cork succumbed 3-1 to the Dubliners at Morton Stadium, Santry.
Peamount United v Castlebar Celtic FC
2pm, Sunday, Greenogue.
THOUGH Raheny have a game in hand which they will play at home Sunday week to bottom-of-the-table Waves, Peamount currently hold a six-point advantage over their rivals and will be fancied to overcome Castlebar on this occasion too.
As anticipated last weekend, Eileen Gleeson’s side did not have it all their own way at Ferrycarrig Park with Wexford earning a draw against the defending champions and the emotionally-charged westerners will not be easy to see off either tomorrow.
It is Castlebar’s first outing in the section since 11 November following the unfortunate passing of Jeremy Dee and they will be determined to produce a display of character at Greenogue.
Yet Peamount have regained their stride after losing the WFAI Umbro Senior Challenge Cup final to Raheny and if Gleeson’s unit feed Sara Lawlor with sufficient possession, Peamount should eventually prevail.
DLR Waves v Wexford Youths Women’s AFC
2pm, Sunday, Jackson Park, Kilternan.
VICTORY for Wexford against Waves, coupled with Cork earning a positive result, would catapult the Slaneysiders above Raheny into second as John Flood’s charges continue to progress in the division.
Wexford are unbeaten since losing to Peamount on 26 August, a run that stretches six matches. Given the form they are in, it is not unfair to suggest Waves may lose for a sixth time in seven outings this term.
To their credit, Waves are developing in their first season at this level and their performances are improving incrementally. However they are still a way short of experience on those that were involved last term.
Attacker Cherelle Khassal has recently departed, but her absence has not impacted on Wexford’s growing reputation in any way. Flood’s side are fast becoming the story of the season.
