All Island Cup Semi-Final Preview: Galway United -v- Wexford

GALWAY UNITED

Galway United will be looking to reach the All-Island Cup Final for a second year in a row when they host Wexford at Eamonn Deacy Park on Wednesday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

Last year’s champions will have their eye on claiming the title for a second time with the Tribeswomen winning the inaugural edition of the competition last July against Cliftonville.

There’s a repeat of their semi-final from last year however, and their opponents will certainly not be pushovers.

Phil Trill’s side are coming into this game off the back of three losses in a row in the Women’s Premier Division – one of those defeats came at the hands of Wexford.

Though his side did pick up a win during that period with a win over Treaty United in their All-Island Cup quarter final.

Having been in truly impressive form – honestly since the second half of 2023, this is a major dip for Galway United and they will be looking to right the ship and set themselves up for a chance at some silverware with this match.

New signing Emma Doherty is cup tied and can’t feature for United in this competition but they should be buoyed by the return of Julie Ann Russell fresh off the back of two caps for the Republic of Ireland with two international goals to her name against England and France.

Home advantage and a challenging cross country trip for the Wexford team certainly bode well for Galway United on Wednesday night too – but that defeat in early June due to two late Wexford goals may certainly haunt them.

WEXFORD

As much as Galway United are struggling for form currently – Wexford have no such concerns with the side unbeaten in six games in the league and All-Island Cup, a run which includes five wins.

Wexford will think back to last July however, and what could have been when they hosted Galway at Ferrycarrig Park at this stage of the All Island Cup.

Having taken the lead in that game initially, Galway United equalised and ended up taking the game to penalties where they emerged victorious and went on to the final.

They may well look to their record at Eamonn Deacy Park when facing Galway United, since the club entered the league last season Wexford have won both of their games on the banks of the Corrib.

Wexford are one of the most prolific clubs in women’s football in Ireland when it comes to winning silverware, but it has now been two years since they last won a competition – a win on Wednesday evening could set them up nicely for a first trophy in some time.

Shelbourne or Shamrock Rovers await in the final.

Referee: Robert Dowling

MATCH STATS

Galway United were last year’s winners of the competition and even including the group stages they have yet to lose a game in the competition. A victory on Wednesday would be their tenth game unbeaten.

Wexford are in a rich run of form with six games unbeaten coming into this fixture – including five wins.

Galway United have hosted Wexford twice since joining the Women’s Premier Division in 2023 and have been defeated both times.

PREDICTION

Galway United 1–0 Wexford

Galway United

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

Wexford

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.