WFAI Cup Semi-final Preview: Wexford Youths -v- Peamount United

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Wexford Youths head into Saturday's cup semi-final on the back of four impressive victories, Willie Doyle’s side has continued to show their quality which saw them crowned 2014-15 Women’s National League champions.

After being forced to sit out last weekend’s fixture against UCD Waves due to unforeseen circumstances, Youths head into the Peamount game on the back of a two week break and they will be aiming to show that despite not playing last weekend they are fully prepared as they attempt to reach a Continental Tyres Women’s FAI Cup final.

Despite suffering defeat in the sides most recent meeting, on Saturday evening Youths will be aiming to ensure don’t slip up against the only side to beat them at home in 2015.

The return of Rianna Jarrett to the Youths squad will add extra competition to the already bulging squad and the forward will be hoping she can make an instant impact on Saturday’s game if called upon.

PEAMOUNT UNITED

Christy Lougheed's side make the trip to the southeast with intentions of causing a cup upset and returning to the Women’s FAI Cup final for the first time since 2012.

After suffering an opening weekend defeat to Galway WFC at Greenogue, Peamount will be hoping they can continue to show the improvements they have made in the first few games when they take to the field in Ferrycarrig Park and their never die attitude could be key to their success.

The addition of underage internationals such Roma McLaughlin and Sarah McKevitt, along with the return to form of the likes of Amber Barrett and Clare Kinsella has shown Peamount are a side capable of causing upsets against the bigger sides during the 2015-16 season.

The Dublin side, however, must plan without key players for Saturday’s clash as Aoife Moloney has been ruled out after she broke her wrist against Galway WFC last weekend, while Naohisa McAloon, Lauryn O’Callaghan, Niamh Farrelly and Lauren Kelly are currently on under 17 international duty in Turkey.

MATCH STATS

Wexford Youths defeated Peamount in two of the three league meetings last season, with Peamount victorious in the most recent on the day Youths were presented with their WNL trophy.

Last season, Peamount scored more away goals than their hosts on Saturday evening - 14 compared to Youths 13.