WNL Preview: Peamount United -v- Treaty United

• Paul Corcoran
• Fri, Aug 07 2020




Peamount United

The reigning Women’s National League Champions are finally back in action after a long wait due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

United were dominant for large parts of the season but eventually were ran close to the line with Shelbourne finishing just two points behind.

It will be important for the Champions to come out swinging and send a message in their first game of the season when they welcome Treaty United to PRL Park on Saturday evening (kick-off 6.30pm).

The visitors are taking to the field for the first time but manager James O’Callaghan is playing down his own side’s chances ahead of Saturday’s fixture.

“We’re really focused on this first game – it’s like a Cup Final for us! The players have been working really hard all pre-season and they are itching to get going now,” he said, speaking to the WNL website.

“I think it will be a more competitive League this year. I don’t see any major score lines happening because I think every team has the ability to take points off each other.

“I’m sure Treaty will come to our place thinking that they can get a result and it’s up to us to make sure we are ready. It’s important that we put in a good performance and hopefully we can get a result.”

Republic of Ireland international Stephanie Roche is absent due to injury for this game while defender Louise Corrigan is a doubt for the Dublin side.

Treaty United

While Bohemians are taking to the field for the first time this weekend when they face Cup Champions Wexford Youths, so too are Treaty United when they take on Peamount United.

It’s one of the most difficult challenges the new club could get for their first game but manager Dave Rooney is looking to get a positive result against the Champions.

“This is a brand new club, it’s a new set-up and there is a new enthusiasm around the place. We are now the flagship team in the club and we’ve had great support from everybody so far,” Rooney told the WNL website.

“With the way that the League is structured this year, it gives us something tangible to aim for. Can we break into that top four after the First Phase? If not, can we be in a good position for the Second Phase?

“Peamount have some of the best players in the League, including current Ireland internationals, but we aim to be competitive and we will go into every game looking to get a positive result.”

The Limerick side have no injury worries going into Saturday’s game.

Referee: Sara Blacoe Dyas

MATCH STATS

Peamount faced Treaty United’s precursor Limerick three times last season and the Dublin club won each time scoring 17 goals and conceding none.

Four of the top five goalscorers from last season were Peamount players, Aine O’Gorman, Megan Smyth-Lynch, Eleanor Ryan Doyle and Amber Barrett, they scored 73 goals between them out of Peamount’s haul of 93.

PREDICTION

Peamount United 5-0 Treaty United

Peamount United

Injured: Stephanie Roche.

Doubtful: Louise Corrigan.

Suspended: None.

Treaty United

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None

Suspended: None.