Peas set for historic night

PEAMOUNT UNITED make history on Wednesday night as they welcome French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Tallaght Stadium for their UEFA Women's Champions League last 32 tie writes Brendan White. Kick-off 7.45pm.

Despite falling to a 1-0 defeat to eventual group winners Rayo Vallecano de Madrid in the opening game of the group, Peamount showed their talent by defeating hosts ZNK Krka 7-0 and Estonians Parnu JK 5-1 which saw the girls qualify for the last 32. Having sent a scouting party to watch PSG ahead of the game, manager Eileen Gleeson is expecting a tough game from their French opponents.

"We're looking forward to the game and we're expecting a good challenge from PSG. It's a great opportunity for the club. We'll do our best to give the fans and the supporters a good exciting game of football. There's a bit of nerves and excitement but we'll channel that into positive energy. Preparation has been going well and we'll be prepared."

"We saw what we expected to see (from PSG); a well organised, fit team who like to play open attractive football in a professional manner. It's exciting. We were hoping to draw a big team and we did that with PSG. It's a huge opportunity for us to show that we can compete at European  level so we can only be gauged against a team like PSG."

Gleeson is, however, concentrating on her own squad. With many of the team already senior Irish internationals, and the addition of Aine O'Gorman, Peamount will go in search of nothing less than a win.

"I'm sure they're looking at the quality that we have in our side too. We've six senior internationals within the team. We're underdogs but we're here to compete. It's a game over two legs so we're aware of the value of away goals."

Former striker Aine O'Gorman has rejoined the club from Doncaster Rovers Belles for the campaign and Gleeson is delighted with her return, but has to deal with the departure of Denise O'Sullivan from the squad.. "It's a great addition to the squad. She was a Peamount player before and she moved on, but we're delighted to have her back, she brings another element to the squad. She brings her pace as well so we're delighted to have Aine back in the squad. Denise was great while we had her but we always work with what we have. It was administration and rules and regulations so we didn't get to keep her."

PEAS Captain Louise Quinn played all 270 minutes during the qualification stage, pitching in with a hat-trick in the 7-0 rout of ŽNK Krka, but she is aware of the challenge this time around.

"You shouldn't entirely break your routine, it is a big game but you've got to take it on the chin. Everyone wants to step up to the next level so they're willing to do whatever they need to do. They're a quick team, they like to play into the spaces. They use the ball, they're a very physical team and they'll be tough. We know we'll be able to play our football. The Irish are very resilient, we'll go for it anyway. We have a lot of pride in our jersey, a lot of passion about what we do. It's a big step up and a big boost, I think it can promote the women's game very well."

PSG come to Ireland in fourth place in their domestic league having finished as runners up last season. "The game is going to be tough but we expect a positive score", PSG manager Camillo Vaz said. "They have some very good players and we're looking forward to the game." PSG Captain Sabrina Delannoy is also looking forward to Wednesday evening. "(I'm) really looking forward to the game since the summer. We can't wait to get started at the game on Wednesday night."

Tickets for the game are priced at just €5 for adults and €2 for children and are on sale on the gate at Tallaght Stadium upon entry.