WNL Preview: Galway -v- DLR Waves

• Paul Corcoran
• Sat, Aug 08 2020




GALWAY

Billy Clery’s side have improved year-on-year as they finished fourth in 2018 and 2019 in the Women’s National League.

Still a little off the pace of the top three teams, Peamount United, Shelbourne and Wexford, the side have still managed to close that gap and they will be aiming to hit the ground running when they meet DLR Waves on Saturday (kick-off 6pm).

There have been changes aplenty at Galway with seven of the club’s double winning Under 17 squad from last season signing on for the first team this season.

Clery’s young charges could get their first taste of senior action this weekend.

“Everybody knows that there have been three teams at the top of the League for the last few years and we are trying to close that gap,” Clery said, speaking to the Women’s National League website.

“Two years ago we were 16 points off third place, last year we were five points off, so we want to keep improving on that.

“From our Under-17 squad last year we have signed seven players, so there is a lot of talent in our group and I’ve no doubt that some of those players will make a big impact this season.

“We are expecting a difficult game against DLR. Graham (Kelly) has a good squad of players, so I expect it to be a tricky start. The only game that matters right now is this one against DLR so we will be focused on that.”

The Galway Girls will be without the services of experienced midfielder Méabh De Búrca on Saturday evening while Shauna Fox and Chloe Singleton are doubts, their fitness is being assessed ahead of the fixture.

DLR Waves

Waves found it tough against Galway all throughout 2019, losing all three League meetings and the WFAI Cup Quarter-Final to the West of Ireland side.

2019 was tough overall with Waves finishing 6^th in the Women’s National League but manager Graham Kelly is showing no fear as his side begin the new season.

“We know that we have eight games before the League splits so we have nothing to fear. We’re going to treat every game like a Cup Final and see where we end up,” he told the WNL website.

“It’s important to us that the players go out and express themselves. We have worked hard in the pre-season period and now it’s time to put all of that into the games.

“We have a lot of young players who, even though this is a shortened season, will hopefully improve and show that they can play at this level. We have a lot of faith in them and will help them to develop as much as we can.”

DLR have five absentees for Saturday’s game with Katie Burdis, Ciara Maher, Mel Clarke, Orla Casey and Carla McManus all injured.

Referee: Joe Hession.

MATCH STATS

Galway beat Waves in all four of their meetings last season, including their WFAI Cup Quarter Final.

Waves last beat Galway in September 2017 when the sides met in the WNL Shield Final.

The Dublin side’s last League victory over the Galway Girls came in March of that year when Waves ran out 1-0 winners on the opening day of the season.

PREDICTION

Galway 2–0 DLR Waves

Galway

Injured: Méabh De Búrca.

Doubtful: Shauna Fox, Chloe Singleton.

Suspended: None.

DLR Waves

Injured: Katie Burdis, Ciara Maher, Mel Clarke, Orla Casey, Carla McManus.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.