WNL Preview: Peamount United -v- Galway WFC

Peamount United and Galway WFC clash in the first round of Women’s National League fixtures on Saturday evening at Greenogue, kick-off 7pm.

PEAMOUNT UNITED

Peamount start their Women’s National League campaign at home this weekend when they welcome Galway WFC to Greenogue for the side’s third clash in as many weeks.

Last weekend’s draw also saw the highly rated Ireland under 19’s star Roma McLaughlin make her debut for the Dublin side and the Donegal native described the step-up a challenge, but she is looking forward to playing regular football for Peamount.

“I found that the pace of the game was a lot faster and more physical, but I'm delighted to be involved in the WNL now and to be playing with Peamount, although I have the difficulty of travelling - I'm happy to be getting regular game time and have the chance to play weekly.”

After recovering from a three goal deficit in Galway last weekend, McLaughlin was delighted with the spirit her new teammates showed despite being 4-1 down to a strong Galway side.

“To be able to battle back from being behind two weeks in a row is a great quality to have as a team, especially against a strong Galway side. I think as a team we are only going to improve as the games go on.”

Despite being a third clash in as many weeks, the Midfielder knows her side are in for a tough game and she is aware her sides must improve aspects of their performance to gain three valuable points.

“We are expecting another tough game and we don't want to go behind again. We need to improve on our previous first half performances, which I think we will.”

GALWAY WFC

Galway travel to Dublin for the third time in four weeks on Saturday evening when they clash with Peamount United. Don O’Riordan’s side will be aiming to record just a second victory Women’s National League victory over Dublin clubs after several near misses in recent occasions.

Like their hosts last weekend, Galway also gave some new signings a debut and Savannah McCarthy, who made the move from UCD Waves was delighted to make her debut for her new club.

“It was a great experience for me, the management staff and players were really welcoming so it made it easier for me as I was new to the squad.”

“A little bit, but I was more excited than anything was just looking forward to a new challenge and to playing my first game with the club.” McCarthy told Extratime.ie when asked if she felt pressure to perform having with a big reputation.

After seeing her side concede two late goals, McCarthy reveals while the squad was disappointed not record victory’s in the previous two occasions, but she was also quick to credit Peamount for never given up until the final whistle.

“We have it was really disappointing to lose to them in the cup and then to draw with them last weekend in the shield after going 4-1 up I thought we let it slip when we really should have won the game. Fair play to Peamount they did well to keep battling and getting a draw off us.

“We need not to switch off in the game, like we did in the last two meetings with them, we did in the second-half and teams will punish you if you do. We'll just have to learn from it and try correct it for our first game in the league with them by putting in a huge performance and getting the result.”

With this weekend’s clash being the first round of league fixtures, the Ireland under 19’s star is looking forward to Saturday’s clash and she believes the team who performs best on the day will leave Greenogue victorious.

“Yes, I'm really looking forward to the game, it will be tough as Peamount is a good squad and have a lot of talent in their team, but it's going to go down to who wants it more on the day and hopefully that will be us.”

MATCH STATS

Saturday will see Galway play at Greenogue for the third time in five weeks, after they played St Catherines and Peamount at the South Dublin venue in the Women’s FAI Cup.

In the side’s two clashes this season there has been eleven goals, Peamount scoring six and Galway five.

Last season’s league meetings saw Peamount come out victories twice, with the third clash finishing 2-2.