WNL Shield Preview: UCD Waves -v- Cork City Women

UCD WAVES

UCD head into Sunday’s clash with Cork City Women on the back of a first defeat since last February after they were defeated by Wexford Youths last weekend and Waves defender Karen Duggan told Extratime.ie that Youths played very well and maybe there match sharpness had an impact considering Waves were playing in their first competitive game since April.

“We had a great run at the end of last season to get up into second place after a slow start to the season and we were hoping to kick on from there. Unfortunately, that didn't happen on Sunday against Wexford. The game time that they have had by playing Champions League qualifiers has been very competitive and may have played a role, they were sharper than us and worked very well as a unit.

“We have some new players coming into the team and some positional changes too, so hopefully with some more games we'll gel as a unit and regain the form that we had at the end of last season but we know we have plenty to work on.”

With Sunday’s game against a Cork City side that has seen a major overhaul during the summer, Duggan knows they have started well last weekend and UCD Waves will not underestimate them despite their recent positive results against the Leesiders.

“It's hard to know what to expect because they have signed these new players. We definitely won't be complacent because they've had a much better first game of the season than us with a 4-0 win and have some new dangerous players that we'll have to deal with. But we will be hoping to learn from last week's defeat and make a marked improvement and hopefully get the win on Sunday.”

In nine days’ time, Ireland begin their European Championship qualifiers against Finland and Duggan feels it's better for the members of the Waves squad on Ireland duty to get some competitive game time before they meet up with their international colleagues.

“No, I don't think that it will affect any of the girls involved in the international team at all. I think everyone is excited to get more game time under their belt before heading in for international duty next week.”

CORK CITY WOMEN

Last weekend, Cork City Women recorded their first victory since March 2012 when they defeated Kilkenny United at Bishopstown Stadium - However, this weekend will mark a second trip to the capital in three weeks and City will be hoping for a better outcome after they were defeated 3-2 by non-league Shelbourne U18’s in the FAI Cup.

“Last weekend’s win was massive for us” Ciara Desmond told Extratime.ie “We have been building up for the last 8 weeks or so and especially last week in training we really worked hard on set plays so to see them all work together was great. Cork City has had a tough few years, but with the new management and the squad they are building things are looking good.”

Desmond a recent signing for City has started the season brightly and last weekend she recorded her first goals for her new club when scoring in both halves during their 4-0 victory and the winger feels that within the Cork squad, every player are on their toes as they know competition for places is very high.

“I'm delighted to have been in the starting team for the last 2 matches, there is some great talent in the squad and the numbers and commitment at training are great, come match day, no one is sure if they are going to be in the starting 11, this is just making us work harder to get on the team and even harder on the pitch to stay on the team. I played last year for half a season so I'm used to the level, we are getting really good training to prepare us for the level we need to be at.”

This weekend’s clash against UCD will give Cork their best indication how far they have come during the off season and Desmond is keen to build on last weekend’s big victory, while she is also aware UCD have quality throughout their side.

“Yes, this weekend will be our first big test we've been working hard in pre-season and training is going really well, we will be hoping for a big team performance and hopefully the result will go our way. UCD is a strong team and have some great players to watch out for, but I'm sure it will be a close encounter for both teams.”

MATCH STATS

UCD defeated Cork in the side’s three league meetings last season by a combined score of 17-2, while City failed to score on two occasions.

Last weekend, Cork City goalkeeper Trish Fennelly was the only keeper in all four Women’s National League Shield games to keep a clean sheet.