Credit: Laszlo Geczo (ETPhotos)
WNL Preview: Shelbourne Ladies -v- Wexford Youths Women
- Dave Donnelly
- Wed, Aug 09 2017
SHELBOURNE LADIES
Shelbourne welcome Wexford Youths to the AUL Complex for a game rescheduled following last month's international break (kick-off 7pm).
The champions moved within six points of top spot on Saturday thanks to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Cork City at Tolka Park.
Second-half goals from Kate Mooney and Alex Kavanagh saw the Reds to victory after Christina Dring had given City the lead just before half time.
Victory over joint-top Wexford would propel Shels to within three points of the summit, though Wexford will have a game in hand in either case.
The game represents a vital opportunity for Mark Leavy's side to get themselves back in contention before they break for the Champions League games later this month.
Shelbourne have no known injuries or suspensions ahead of the game.
WEXFORD YOUTHS WOMEN
Wexford Youths travel to Dublin having seen Peamount United overtake them at the top of the Women's National League table, albeit on goal difference.
Youths had the weekend off, which allowed the Peas to draw level on 26 points, however they could quickly regain top spot with the first of their two games in hand.
"This year moreso than any other year the results have been very unpredictable,” winger Emma Hansberry told the club's media team.
“Every team can take points off each other. For that reason you just have to look at every team as your biggest rivals.
“It's Peamount at the moment who are closest to us points wise but there's a long way to go yet so it's important to not look past our next game."
"Shelbourne have signed new players and some of the more experienced ones are back in the squad so I'm sure they will be boosted.
“We've got to focus on ourselves and what we've been doing well the last few games. I'm sure the game on Wednesday night will be just as competitive as ever."
"When the top few teams are so close in points it's important to keep motivated in every game that you play in.
“We have a good run of games coming up and it will be important to take 3 points in each of those to stay in the good position that we are in coming into the last phase of the season."
Wexford boss Laura Heffernan is without Linda Douglas and Siobhan Doolan, who are unavailable for the trip to Dublin but will return for the weekend's visit of Galway.
Referee: TBC
MATCH STATS
The sides have met once already this season with a 2-2 draw the outcome at Ferrycarrig Park.
Siobhan Killeen and Alex Kavanagh gave Shels a lead within the first 16 minutes, but Nicola Sinnott struck just after the hour and Claire O'Riordan equalised in the dying minutes.
The sides met three times last season, twice in the league and in the FAI Cup final, with Shels winners on all three occasions.
The Reds won 3-1 at Ferrycarrig Park and 1-0 at Morton Stadium either side of a 5-0 hammering in the cup final at the Aviva Stadium.
BETTING
N/A
PREDICTION
Shelbourne Ladies 2 – 2 Wexford Youths Women
Shelbourne Ladies
Injured: Unavailable.
Doubtful: Unavailable.
Suspended: None.
Wexford Youths Women
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Unavailable: Linda Douglas, Siobhan Doolan.
