WNL League Cup Previews

The Bus Éireann Women's National League Cup First Round kicks off on Sunday after Friday's game between Raheny United and DLR Waves fell victim to a waterlogged pitch.  That game has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 20th at 8pm.

Cork Women’s FC and Castlebar Celtic will meet in an intriguing tie with both sides going into the competition knowing it is their best chance of silverware this season.

“This is a different competition so the girls can put the league aside and go into the game looking to get a victory without worrying about what it means to our league position,” said Cork’s Chris O’Mahoney.

Clare Shine is out and Denise O’Sullivan, Emma Farmer and Amy McCarthy are all doubts for Cork while Castlebar Celtic travel to Turner’s Cross minus Emma Mullen and Katie Walsh while Emma Hansberry is doubtful with shin splints.

“It’s going to be a testing journey for us but it gives people the opportunity to step up and show that they deserve to be in the team every week so we’ll go there looking for a result,” said Castlebar coach John Morris-Burke.

Peamount United and Wexford Youths will meet in a dress rehearsal for their crunch league fixture in another League Cup clash that neither side will want to lose.

The joint-league leaders will meet again next week in a league tie and both sides are likely to be looking to seek a psychological advantage ahead of that tie.

“There’s a different mindset around cup games,” admitted Peamount manager Eileen Gleeson, who has a full squad to work with.

“We prepare the same week in, week out, and will treat it the same as any game but we do recognize that both teams will want to set down a marker ahead of the league game next week. It’ll be good challenge for both sides.”

Wexford Youths have a full squad to choose from. “We would like to maintain our current form so a good result is important on Sunday but we are also looking at this competition as an opportunity to lift a cup so there is every incentive to do well,” said Wexford’s Peter Doyle.

In the event of a draw after 90 minutes of play, extra-time of 30 minutes duration shall be played. If the teams are still level, then a penalty shoot-out will take place to determine the winners of the tie.

Both games kick off at 2pm.