Bus Éireann FAI Women’s National League series eight previews
FERRYCARRIG PARK and Tallaght Stadium are the venues for the two scheduled WNL matches tomorrow as Wexford Youths Women’s AFC host Peamount United and Shamrock Rovers welcome Cork Women’s FC to the capital.
The other fixture to be played in series eight of the season between Raheny United and DLR Waves has been deferred until 15 December however the two matches still going ahead promise much for spectators. Of the two, the meeting of Wexford, a team that has developed exponentially, and Peamount, takes top weekend billing.
Wexford Youths Women’s AFC v Peamount United
Venue: Ferrycarrig Park
Sunday, kick-off 2pm.
THE meanest defence face the most devastating attack on Slaneyside as Wexford collide with leaders Peamount for the second time this term.
The sides met on the opening day of the campaign at Greenogue and Peamount won 4-1 however Wexford have gone five games unbeaten since including earning wins over DLR Waves, Cork and Castlebar Celtic FC.
Furthermore, John Flood’s unit left Morton Stadium on their most recent outing in the division against Raheny with a point following a 1-1 draw. And their basis for earning those excellent results is defensive solidity.
Following the aforementioned four-goal concession to Eileen Gleeson’s charges Wexford have coughed up just two goals in their five subsequent games and have kept clean sheets on three occasions. No team in the section has a better defensive record than Wexford and they will approach this meeting with confidence.
Peamount will travel without Louise Quinn and Julie Ann Russell as both players are away on senior international duty in the USA but the Dubliners are not exactly short of options to replace them. Gleeson’s team can open up an eight-point gap at the top with a win as Raheny are not in action but they will not take Wexford for granted, especially not in their current form.
As well as that, Wexford defeated Peamount 2-1 in their final league meeting of last season so the defending champions will be on their guard.
Verdict: Peamount United.
Shamrock Rovers v Cork Women’s FC
Venue: Tallaght Stadium
Sunday, kick-off 2pm.
FOUR times Shamrock Rovers and Cork have met in the WNL since its inception last year, on each occasion Cork have won and despite their recent form there is reason to believe they will again tomorrow.
Cork venture to the capital in the knowledge they defeated Rovers 1-0 twice at Tallaght Stadium last term – the Leesiders also beat the Dubliners 2-0 at CIT – so the journey will hold no fear for them.
On 26 August Cork overcame Rovers 2-1 at Turner’s Cross.
Lynsey McKey notched in each half as Maurice Farrell’s unit got their seasonal ball rolling on a positive note – Rachel Jenkins’ 58th minute strike rendered as consolation for John Walsh’s team. However, Cork have lost their five subsequent league encounters to Raheny (3-1), Wexford (4-0), Castlebar (4-3), Waves (3-1) and Peamount (7-2).
Last Sunday week at Turner’s Cross Peamount ruthlessly exposed, as they do to every team in the section outside of Raheny generally it must be said – the defending champions had scored 26 times in their previous five outings, Cork’s defence.
Sara Lawlor, arguably the best all-round player in the WNL, had Peamount ahead 2-0 inside 19 minutes. However, McKey scored for Cork three minutes later and in the 26th minute she had another wonderful opportunity to equalise but was denied by Karen Duggan’s last-ditch tackle.
Moments later Lawlor added her and Peamount’s third and from that moment life was always going to be difficult for the Leesiders for the remainder of the contest.
In saying that, Cork displayed character in defeat and Claudia Hudner got her name on the scoresheet in the 76th minute, too.
Therefore, there are positives Farrell’s Cork can take into this clash. However, Cork still need to shore up their defence. The Leesiders, having conceded 22 goals in six matches, have the leakiest rearguard in the seven-team section.
Can Rovers take advantage of that? The tragic passing of Jeremy Dee decreed their last scheduled outing against Castlebar had to be postponed so the last competitive match Walsh’s side have had was a 10-2 loss to Peamount on 11 November.
Recent inactivity may cost them.
Verdict: Cork Women’s FC.
