Bus Éireann FAI Women’s National League series nine review
Cork Women’s FC 0 Raheny United 3
RAHENY UNITED REMAIN the closest challengers to Peamount United in the WNL following a three-goal triumph away to Cork Women’s FC at Turner’s Cross.
Ger McDermott’s Dubliners have probably performed at an even higher tempo than they did last Sunday however their greater attacking threat came to the fore and deservedly earned them a fifth win of the campaign.
Captain Mary Waldron notched twice for Raheny breaking the deadlock in the 37th minute after getting on the end of a corner from Rebecca Creagh which afforded the attacker the opportunity to steer the ball across goalkeeper Katie Hannon into the far corner.
Waldron added a second midway through the second half looping a half-volley over Hannon before substitute Catherine Cronin tapped in from three yards following a Katie McCabe corner.
What we learned…
The race for the title will be even more intriguing than last term if Raheny can avoid a slip up at home to DLR Waves on Sunday in the final match before the Christmas break.
A victory next weekend for McDermott’s unit will ensure Peamount and Raheny will be locked on 19 points before the teams’ return to league action on 6 January, though the defending champions will have played a game less.
The pair are scheduled to meet for the second time this term on 20 January, a potentially season-defining fixture if there ever was one.
DLR Waves 1 Wexford Youths Women’s AFC 2
THE Wexford Youths express train continues to soar north after John Flood’s side extended their unbeaten run to seven matches with a fourth win of the season away to DLR Waves.
Underage international Rianna Jarrett, netting for the sixth time this term, gave the visitors an early lead slotting beyond goalkeeper Sarah Devlin and shortly afterwards fellow attacker Krista Minto, starting for Wexford Youths for the first time, increased their advantage following a sustained period of pressure on the hosts.
Waves, strugglers at the foot of the table, hit back however through influential and experienced central midfielder Sylvia Gee which temporarily rocked Wexford Youths.
Yet, Flood’s charges could have went on to add another goal or two only for Jarrett to be denied excellently by Devlin.
Still, the Slaneysiders did claim maximum points from the tie regardless of Waves’ brave efforts.
What we learned…
Wexford Youths could be dark horses for the title.
Flood’s team are four points behind table-toppers Peamount and were they to maintain their exemplary defensive record – they have conceded just eight goals in eight outings meaning they possess the meanest rearguard in the section still – Wexford Youths will be in with an outside chance of ultimate glory.
Also, the performance levels of Jarrett have been superb and her presence in attack in 2013 will more than likely ensure they continue to eke out victories en route to, what surely will be, at the least a third-placed finish.
Peamount United v Castlebar Celtic (postponed)
