Continental Tyres Women’s National League Cup Final Preview

Peamount United -v- Raheny United,

Tolka Park, Sunday 26th of April, Kick-Off: 16:30

Match Referee: Paula Brady

This Sunday will see the final piece of silverware decided for the 2014/15 Women’s National League when Peamount United and Raheny United clash in Tolka Park.

Sunday’s clash will see the two sides meeting for the second time in seven days, after a 4-4 draw in Greenogue last Sunday afternoon.

Peamount United

Peamount head into the clash with Raheny on the back of last week’s result having allowed a two goal lead to slip inside the last five minutes of the game. Extratime.ie spoke to Pea’s Captain Clare Kinsella about the last weekends clash and the build up to the WNL Cup final.

“Last Sunday was definitely two points dropped, after having a two goal lead for the majority of the game, we all felt very disappointed as our performances did not pay off, and we did not get the result we felt we deserved the victory.”

The second half of the season has seen Robbie Mulligan’s side find some form, while picking up some important wins as they continue to develop a very young side, after a mass exodus from the club last summer.

“I did worry about this issue at the start, but everything seemed to fall into place for Peamount. The change in the league helped Peamount in a way, Shamrock Rovers folding and DLR Waves combining with UCD, left a pool of strong players open for signing.

“While adding to the remaining player, Robbie applied remarkable work to help recruit and build his new team. This being said Peamount has always had and still has, a good underage system with a great pool of players to select from at juvenile level, therefore I think this has played a great contribution in helping the team get up and running again.”

This week Manager Mulligan has not had to work hard to motivate his side as there has been a sense of huge excitement around Peamount as the Pea’s attempt to win their fourth WNL Cup this Sunday afternoon since 2011.

“You can feel the ” buzz” and excitement around the club and the training pitch amongst the coaching staff, team, even parents and fans it is all positive. The players we all have that extra motivation and desire on the training ground, as we all fight for a place to play on cup final day. Although the excitement and buzz is there, we are all determined and focused and as we prepare well for the game on Sunday.”

Kinsella is fully aware that while that while Raheny would be the favourites on paper for Sunday’s game, the Peas are ready to cause an upset to ensure they cap of the season with some silverware.

“Yes you could call us the underdogs as we are a new team this season. When you look at Raheny’s side on paper, you can see they have a number of internationals and experienced players and of course being double league champions, they will look to be the dominant side. That being said we do not fear them, and we will look forward to playing our game on Sunday.”

Sunday’s game will see Laura Traynor return to the Peamount squad, while Mags Doyle misses the game due to injury and Anna McCormack is doubtful.

Raheny United

Raheny head into Sunday’s final with Peamount having escaped defeat last Sunday thanks to four goals from Ireland International Katie McCabe, there was also grave concern when Panda’s player Shauna Newman was stretchered off the park, and thankfully her injuries are not too serious.

Extratime.ie spoke with Raheny United Captain Rebecca Creagh about the last weekend’s clash and the build up to the WNL Cup final.

“We dealt with the result in the best way we could, were glad we showed that fighting spirit that Raheny is all about to get the draw, but our main concern was that Shauna Newman was ok.

It has been well documented that Raheny have not had a good second half to the season, with the Panda’s involvement in the Champions league, winning the FAI Cup in second half of 2014 and the absence of key players has seen them lose key games in 2015 and surrendering their Women’s National League title.

“The latter end of the season hasn’t been something were used to, a combination of fatigue having had no break in football or a summer the past 3 years with injured bodies this season has taken its toll”

Since the introduction of the Women’s National League, the WNL Cup is the only trophy that Raheny United have yet to claim and Creagh is under no illusion that while last weekend the Panda’s earned a point through experience this Sunday will be another difficult game.

“Last Sunday was a point earned but as far as our expectations go it was 2 points lost. Peamount are a great side, they have a combination of youth and experience with good organisation, so we never underestimate them and Sunday will be no different. But we will be all about our game on Sunday.”

Casey McQuillan's side have put last week’s result to the side and ensured that they had a good weeks training and learned from mistakes of last weekend.

“Training went really well. We worked on certain things and had a really enjoyable session. The mood is fantastic, were excited for Sunday as it’s our chance to do the double and still be the most successful club is the country this season having had a below par season. We’re looking forward to it.”

On Sunday, Casey McQuillan must plan without the services of long term absentee Rachel Graham while Sarah Rowe and Lauren Dwyer are also unavailable. Noelle Murray misses the game due to suspension, Clare Shine is available again for the Panda’s after completing she her first 90 minutes since 2014 last weekend.

Match Stats

Peamount have won this competition in 2011, 2012 and 2013

Raheny have yet to lift the WNL Cup trophy.

The sides have clashed three times this season

Peamount United 4-4 Raheny United

Raheny United 0-0 Peamount United

Peamount United 1-4 Raheny United

Road To The Final

Quarter – Finals

Raheny United 8 Castlebar Celtic 0 

Peamount United - Bye

Semi-Finals

Raheny United 3 Wexford Youth’s Women’s 2

Peamount United 2 Galway WFC 2 (Peamount United won 4 -2 on penalties)

The FAI Umbro Women’s U16 Cup Final between Peamount United and Salthill Devon kicks off at 13:30 will be played as a curtain raiser to the Continental Tyres Women’s National League Cup Final at 4:30pm.