League Preview: Galway United -v- Cork City

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United look to keep their winning start to the season when they host Cork City in the Women’s Premier Division at Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday (kick-off 5pm).

The Tribeswomen began their campaign with a win away to Athlone Town last weekend when they ran out 2-0 winners at Lissywollen.

They had to be patient for their goals, and it took until midway through the second half for their first when Jenna Slattery scored from the penalty spot.

Eve Dossen then headed into the net later in the half after a sublime piece of skill by Aislinn Meaney to get around two defenders on the left wing allowed her a clear opportunity to cross to the defender.

Phil Trill’s side kept seven clean sheets in their last eight games of last season’s Premier Division and with one shutout under their belt this season already they will be looking to maintain that kind of defensive form into this season.

Last year they even picked up two clean sheets in their games against Cork City, United won both meetings without conceding once against the Rebels.

CORK CITY

The Rebels had the unenviable task of beginning their campaign against the reigning Women’s Premier Division last weekend as Peamount United visited Turners Cross.

Goals from Erin McLaughlin and Karen Duggan were enough to beat Cork, as they begin this year hoping to avoid the bottom of the table.

Aobhin Donnelly was in the starting eleven for the game last weekend and she will be in line to face United in familiar territory – the midfielder came through the academy at Galway WFC and will be familiar with a lot of the players at Deacy Park, and she played for their manager Phil Trill.

The Tribeswomen are not a normally free scoring side – but Cork will have to get their shooting boots on early to start challenging teams, last season they scored just 11 league goals in 20 games.

Referee: Gavin Colfer

MATCH STATS

Since Galway United entered the Women’s League of Ireland the side have faced each other twice with the Tribeswomen winning both games.

While Galway Untied only entered the league last year, the Rebels last won a game at Eamonn Deacy Park in March 2018 when they faced Galway WFC.

PREDICTION

Galway United 2–0 Cork City

Galway United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Cork City

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.