Women's Nnl League Series 15 Preview
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
It's a big day in the Women's National League as any one from three teams could end up top of the table come Sunday evening. There is one victim to the weather however as Castlebar Celtic's game against Shamrock Rovers was postponed as Celtic Park is unplayable due to the recent weather conditions. A new date for the fixture will be announced in due course.
Peamount United will look to continue their return to winning ways after last week’s 5-1 defeat of Shamrock Rovers when they host Cork Women’s FC at Greenogue.
Eileen Gleeson will be looking to see how her side copes without inspirational captain Louise Quinn, who has moved to Swedish side Eskilstuna United.
“Louise has been a great captain for the last seven years so it won’t be easy to replace her. We’ve a good squad there and now somebody else has to step up to show they can fill that role,” said Gleeson.
“Last week was a good performance with us scoring some great goals and creating opportunities on a pitch that didn’t lend itself to creative football. The Rovers keeper had a very good second half last week.”
Julie-Ann Russell returns for Peamount while Cork are hoping to have Clare Shine fit while Maggie Duncliffe has transferred back to St Mary’s in Cork but Amanda Budden returned from college in Canada and Ciara Hannon has signed from Lifford AFC.
“It’s going to be a big challenge but we have to go there with a positive mindset,” said Chris O’Mahoney.
Leaders Wexford Youths will be preparing for the first of three massive games for the club when they host Raheny United at Ferrycarrig Park on Sunday.
The Model County side face Peamount United in the league and cup in their next two fixtures so it is a massive month for them as they bid to stay at the top of the league table. Wexford’s Linda Douglas could miss out on her 100 per cent record in the league since its inception with a knee injury sustained in training.
Bus Éireann Player of the month for January Rianna Jarrett admits it is going to be a test: “We’ve tricky games coming up against Raheny United and Peamount United so we’ll know where we stand after those games. We’ve also Peamount in the cup so we’ll know a lot more about ourselves as a team after those games.”
Raheny boss Sean Byrne has to plan without Seana Cooke and Siobhan Killeen through injury while Katie Flood is not available.
“They’re all big games for us now. They are all worth three points and in a tight title race every point is precious,” he said.
“Wexford are doing well. If we are not at our best we will be punished and the girls looking forward to it. I saw them play recently against the Irish U19 side and I thought they were a very good side. They’ve really done well this season.
“Rianna Jarrett is a very good striker, a real goal-scorer who I know from the underage international set-up. Congratulations to her on the player of the month award.”
