Credit:
Castlebar Celtic v Raheny United
- Extratime Team
- Sun, Jan 26 2014
CASTLEBAR Celtic got off to a stunning start in their group with a 9-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers last week but face a different proposition when they host Raheny United at Celtic Park.
This game is a repeat of the FAI Umbro Women's Cup Final which was the highlight of the women's football calendar in 2013 so another cracking tie is anticipated. Raheny beat Galway WFC with an injury-time winner from Clare Shine last week.
Celtic continue without Caoimhe Reilly and Shauna Jackson who are out in the long term while Deirdre Doherty is not available. New signings Lauren Bowles, Geraldine McLoughlin, Aoife Brennan and Marie Gallagher-Bones have settled in well.
"We created a lot of chances and took them. We were beaten 9-2 earlier this year so we know what's like when it looks like everything the opposition hit goes in. It's a different challenge this week so we'll have to see if our defensive side of things is right. Even with the changes Raheny will be tough. A good performance from us and we've a great chance of progressing," said coach Adrian Carberry.
Raheny are missing Noelle Murray through suspension while Rebecca Creagh returns.
"We had a very tough game last week but we didn't play near the level what I know we can play. Galway were very well organised and could have been further ahead at the break. We improved a little bit in the second half and wore them down. It went from a disappointing day one minute and then we score late on and take the win. Castlebar are in good form and I understand the pitch is testing there. It could be the kick up the backside we needed last week," said Raheny coach Casey McQuillan.
