Soccer
Women's National League Previews
By Stephen Finn / Pat Quigley
26, Sep 2014 - 10:51

FAI Continental Tyres Women's National League Previews

Saturday, September 27

Castlebar Celtic v Peamount United, Celtic Park (7.00pm). Referee: Damien MacGraith.

CASTLEBAR Celtic meet Peamount United tonight in a fixture which both sides will consider to be an indicator of where they stand in the league this term.

Celtic pushed UCD Waves very close last time out while new-look Peamount have victories over Galway WFC and Cork Women's FC to their names.

Castlebar add new signings Sarah Rowe and Aoife Herbert from Ballina Town plus Suzanne Gordon and Charlene Graham from Monaghan United to their squad. Sylvia Gee, Rachel Doyle and Laura Traynor remain out through injuries for Peamount.

Celtic coach Adrian Carberry said: "We put in a good performance last week. We're finally finding our feet but just need points on the board.

"It's a home tie and we're looking forward to it. Peamount are still a very good team. It's time we hit the ground running now. I feel we're there or thereabouts with competition for places. We're looking to play well and hopefully get a result."

Peas boss Robbie Mulligan said: "We're looking forward to our first Saturday game. The girls are excited about it. Castlebar did very well last week and we know it'll be tough.

"The girls performed very well last week. It was a good test. We were very happy with how we played and even though we have some injuries I'm confident that we have a strong squad."

Sunday, September 28

Cork City Women's FC v Galway WFC, Bishopstown Stadium (2.00pm). Referee: Sinead Forde.

CORK City Women's FC welcome Galway WFC to Bishopstown looking to end their long winless streak and confident that their improved form this season will soon reap dividends.

Injuries continue to plague the Leesiders with long term absentees including Natalie O'Brien and Chloe Ahern while Megan Carroll, Fiona Considine and Eleanor Lucey remain out for a few weeks at least. Aisling Coughlan and Angie Carry will have fitness tests.

"We were level at half-time against Peamount last week and a few injuries cost us. We're improving. We know a few of the Galway players who previously played for us so it'll be interesting," said Cork's Chris O'Mahony.

Galway boss Don O'Riordan said: "We waiting on a couple of players through injuries. Cork are at home so that's an advantage straight away. We beat them every time last season but that doesn't mean anything. We'll go there treating them with respect but looking for the three points.

"It's been a big learning curve seeing the likes of Raheny and UCD Waves. I took a lot of heart from the first half against Raheny where we created more chances without finishing them off. Their manager said we'd given them a test and I felt I'd learned a lot about the players that day. I feel we'll be even better by the time when we face them again."

Raheny United v UCD Waves, Morton Stadium (2.00pm). Referee: Rhona Daly.

CHAMPIONS Raheny United will welcome their main contenders UCD Waves to Morton Stadium on Sunday looking to stamp their authority on the title race early on.

Casey McQuillan's side won both their games so far against Galway and Wexford Youths while Eileen Gleeson's Waves have beat Cork City Women's FC, Galway WFC and Castlebar Celtic.

Raheny welcome back Siobhan Killeen but Clare Shine is on the doubtful list.

"It'll be an interesting test for us. They'll be similar level to what Peamount were last year. They've touted themselves up by signing all these players so this game will tell a lot about where they are," said McQuillan.

"I'm sure they'll be looking to spoil our party. We've still room to improve. We've players coming in and we're trying to get them all on the same wavelength.

"I don't think this game will have a massive bearing on the title. The other two games will probably have a bigger impact but whoever wins this one will probably have the favourites tag put on them. I think it's too early to be thinking that way."