WNL Preview: DLR Waves -v- Shelbourne

• Paul Corcoran
• Fri, Aug 14 2020




DLR Waves

Waves return to Women’s National League action in South Dublin this weekend when they host Shelbourne at the UCD Bowl on Saturday (kick-off 6.30pm).

Last time out, Waves managed to get a point away to Galway WFC in Eamonn Deacy Park.

Aoife Thompson opened the scoring for the home side in Eamonn Deacy Park last Saturday but DLR battled hard and nicked a great goal after Katie Malone got on the end of a long ball from Oleta Griffin.

DLR haven’t had much luck against Shelbourne in recent seasons and manager Graham Kelly recognizes that this is a tough game for his side.

"We know this is going to be a tough game,” he said, speaking to the Women’s National League website.

“I watched Shelbourne's game against Cork and thought that they were very impressive. They are a big attacking threat so we have to plan for that but also focus on our own game-plan.

"We know that we can keep the ball and that we can't give it away cheaply, because Shels have the quality to punish you. So keeping possession is important and also to get at them where we think we can.

"The fact that we are playing this game in the UCD Bowl gives the players a lift and gives people that extra bit of initiative to come along because it's a nice venue.

“We have a great pitch in Jackson Park but UCD Bowl has a few more things and that's why the game is already sold out."

Waves will be missing Katie Burdis, Orla Casey and Carla McManus. Roisin McGovern has left the club to begin a scholarship in the United States.

Shelbourne

Shelbourne got off to a winning start last weekend against Cork City with goals from Pearl Slattery, Ciara Grant and Rebecca Cooke earning the side the three points.

With Peamount United and Wexford also beginning their campaigns with wins The Reds will be eager to keep the pressure on with another win against DLR Waves.

Manager Dave Bell is making sure his side avoid complacency coming into Saturday’s game.

"We know that this is going to be a tough game. We got a great result in our first game and we have been preparing as well as we can, making sure that we leave no stone unturned.

"I think the League is getting better with the teams getting closer to each other and you have to work hard to get results.

“Cork are a good example of that as they put in a good performance against us and have some good, young players - they won't be a walkover for anyone this season.

"DLR got a point in Galway last week and they will take a lot of confidence from that. When you get a result like that away from home it gives you a lift and they got stronger as the game went on. So we are expecting them to give us a good game."

Referee: Orla Devaney

MATCH STATS

Shelbourne haven’t been beaten in 17 games in the WNL. That run stretches back to last April when they were last defeated by Peamount United.

Waves last beat Shelbourne during the 2017 edition of the WFAI Cup when they knocked The Reds out in the semi-finals.

DLR haven’t won a game since last September when they beat Limerick 2-1. Sophie O’Donoghue and Catherine Cronin were on the scoresheet for the Dublin side that day.

PREDICTION

DLR Waves 0-3 Shelbourne

DLR Waves

Injured: Katie Burdis, Orla Casey and Carla McManus.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Shelbourne

Injured: Jenny McDade and Niamh McLaughlin..

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.