WNL Shield Preview: Peamount United -v- Castlebar Celtic

Saturday evening sees Peamount United hosting Castlebar Celtic at Greenogue in the Continental Tyres Women’s National League Shield Group B clash, Kick off 19:00.

PEAMOUNT UNITED

Peamount for the second season in a row are a side in transition with the departure of manager Robbie Mulligan after just a single season, while several of the side tops stars to have also departed the club for college in America and also to Dublin rivals UCD Waves.

“Yes, it's all change again this season at Peamount Utd,” Rachel Doyle told Extratime.ie “We have a new management team who have a lot of experience in the game, particularly Christy Lougheed, who is held in very high regard in footballing circles along with Pat Trehy and James O'Callaghan.

“There is always going to be movement of players and managers within the league, but that's football and you have to adapt to the changes. Everyone at Peamount Utd would like to wish Robbie Mulligan the best with his new venture in America.”

With the Shield Competition beginning this weekend, Doyle is looking forward to getting back on the field against Castlebar, but she is aware that it’s important they take it one game at a time.

“All the players are eager to get the season started, it's been a long break since last season. Pre-season training has been very positive and there is a good atmosphere among the team.

“This season will be a learning curve for most players, as we have a very young squad, however the expectation in Peamount is always high as it's one of the biggest clubs in women's football in the country with huge underage potential. We are looking to take it one game at a time and trying to find a rhythm and hopefully put some good results together along the way.”

CASTLEBAR CELTIC

Like their hosts on Saturday evening, Castlebar Celtic are another side in transition after the departure of Emma Hansberry and Sarah Rowe (who departed midway through last season) along with manager Adrian Carberry who has taken up a position with the Ireland underage set-up.

“It's been difficult losing some of our senior players” Yvonne Hedigan told Extratime.ie “On the other hand, it's a great opportunity for the new young players to showcase their talent and develop as footballers. The new management is very supportive and realistic of what can be achieved from our new squad.”

Castlebar travel to Dublin on Saturday evening with a sense of excitement and Hedigan revealed that recent events at the FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown have the players excited to return to the pitch while this weekend’s game will also see some of her teammates playing Women’s National League football for the very first time.

“There's a real sense of excitement and anticipation within the squad for Saturday's game against Peamount. For the majority of our players this is their first experience of playing in the WNL.

“We at Castlebar Celtic realise that Peamount are in transition, but saying that they have a very talented squad and we know it will be a difficult game for us and we are looking forward to the challenge. “

MATCH STATS

Peamount’s top scorer last season scored more than twice as many goals as Castlebar’s top two scorers - Eleanor Ryan Doyle 11, Rachel Kearns and Emma Hansberry 5 each, however both Ryan Doyle and Hansberry have left their respective clubs.

In the sides’ three league meetings last season, both sides recorded one victory apiece in Celtic Park, with Castlebar winning the most recent clash. When the sides last clashed at Greenogue the game finished 2-2.