Women's National League Previews

With Raheny United and Wexford Youths not in action this weekend, it offers a chance for Peamount United to extend their lead at the top of the Bus Éireann Women's National League.

Peamount United v Castlebar Celtic, Greenogue. Referee: Alan Cahill

Peamount United proved with their last two performances – both closely fought victories over Wexford Youths – that they remain the team to beat in Ireland and Eileen Gleeson is looking for similar application from her side this week.

“The first half last week against Wexford was very pleasing but we need to put together a full 90 minutes of that level,” said the Peas boss.

“We showed a lot of character to get the results in those games against Wexford and that’s the standard we must maintain.”

Peamount are without long term absentees Dora Gorman, Chloe Mustaki and Grace Murray while Castlebar Celtic coach John Morris-Burke has just one doubt with goalkeeper Marion Murray battling to be fit.

“It’s always a tough test going to Peamount but we produced an excellent battling display in our most recent game against Cork and that’s the mentality we have to take into this fixture,” said Morris-Burke.

DLR Waves v Cork Women’s FC, Jackson Park. Referee: Natasha Valentini

DLR Waves are looking to finally get back in the right direction again after a stop-start month since their January 13 victory over Peamount United.

The Dun Laoghaire Rathdown outfit have had games called off and abandoned midway through since that memorable win over the Peas so manager Larry Mahoney is hoping nothing gets in the way of the Waves playing 90 minutes against Cork on Sunday.

“To be honest the attitude of the players has been fantastic given the stop-start nature of things recently and many other players would have let their standards drop,” said Mahoney.

“The attitude has been great and we are actually still on a buzz off that Peamount win but we know it will be tough against Cork. I’ve always thought they had an excellent group of players but just hadn’t clicked yet. They did against Rovers last week so we’ll be wary of the them.”

Waves continue without long term absentee Carla Moran while Cork continue to operate without Clare Shine and Amy McCarthy but have doubts over Emma Farmer, Laura Lynch and Denise O’Sullivan.

“We all got a boost with the win over Shamrock Rovers last week and the difference was obvious in training. We got off the bottom of the league with that win and we want to get another victory under our belts now to build on it,” said Chris O’Mahoney.