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WNL Preview: Wexford Youths Women’s v Castlebar Celtic
- Extratime Team
- Sat, Nov 15 2014
WEXFORD Youths host Castlebar Celtic as they look to continue their impressive early season form and extend their lead of the Continental Tyres Women’s National League.
Youths have been in inspired form picking up six wins from their first seven games and lead the league by two points from Raheny United.
“We’re picking up wins when we’re not playing well, which is a good sign and testament to the girls attitude,” explained Wexford boss Willie Doyle.
“The girls have always wanted to win – now were going out and winning games,” he added, dismissing talk of league leader pressure.
“This year we’ve picked up points when we previously would have dropped points. It shows were progressing all the time.”
Doyle has injury concerns with Orlaith Conlon, Beccy Hayden and Orla Hickey out of Sunday’s tie with Jenny Clifford and Amy Walshe also doubtful.
“Castlebar are a good team and this is a massive challenge,” declared Doyle. “They’re improving every week and put it up to Raheny United last weekend.”
Youths have found the back of the net 16 times this season, with the goals spread across seven different players – Claire O’Riordan having bagged five.
“There’s a good balance of girls scoring goals.We try to make sure all players have a role in the team and they can step to the plate,” he added.
Castlebar boss Adrian Carberry is aware of the challenge facing his side. “Wexford have really kicked on from last year when they won the league cup,” Carberry said.
“They’re in great form. It’s great to see one of the teams outside the main Dublin club’s mixing it up at the top of league.
“I’m under no doubts about how tough a game were in for on Sunday. It’s a mammoth trip for us, travelling from Castlebar.”
Celtic currently lie fifth in the table with two wins to their credit, finding the net on 14 occasions.
“We’ve been creating a lot of chances but not taking them,” Carberry said. “We had Emma Mullen last year who got 14 goals.
“We’ve been so creative all season we have to start taking our chances, which we’ll aim to do from Sunday.”
Goalkeeper Rachel King and Jess Nolan both received heavy knocks in last week’s defeat to Raheny United and are doubtful for Sunday’s game.
