League Preview: Wexford Youths -v- Peamount United

WEXFORD YOUTHS

The most-successful side in Women’s National League history meet the champions at Ferrycarrig Park on Saturday evening (kick-off 6.30pm).

Youths fell to their first defeat of the season last Saturday as they were edged out 2-1 by league leaders Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

Emily Whelan headed a second-half winner for the Reds after Ciara Grant’s early opener was cancelled out within a minute by Youths captain Kylie Murphy.

The skipper marked her 200^th appearance for Wexford at Tolka but, despite getting on the scoresheet, saw her side lose their 100% record.

Tom Elmes’ side have little time to dwell on the defeat, however, as they prepare to renew their long-running battle with Peamount on home ground.

Three points at home would be the ideal riposte following the defeat in Drumcondra and would move them within three points of the champions with a game in hand.

Wexford have not provided team news ahead of the game.

PEAMOUNT UNITED

Peamount United travel to Wexford with nothing but maintaining their 100% record to keep the pressure on league leaders Shelbourne.

The Peas have played a game fewer than the Reds but will be anxious, even at this early stage of the season, not to lose ground.

The curtailed 12-game season means there is next to no room for error, even for the champions, which should only serve to heighten the tension ahead of this meeting.

Peamount are yet to concede in the league this season and have scored an impressive 19 goals in their four games to date.

Eleanor Ryan Doyle scored four times, taking her seasonal tally to seven, in last week’s 8-0 win over Athlone Town in Greenogue.

Captain Aine O’Gorman scored twice, while Dearbhaile Beirne and Louise Masterson were also on target in the heavy win.

Peamount haven’t provided team news for the game but have no suspensions to contend with.

Referee: Claire Purcell.

MATCH STATS

This is the first meeting between the sides this season.

The two met four times last year between league and cup, with Peamount winning three times in the league on their way to lifting the title.

Wexford got some measure of revenge in the FAI Cup final, however, as Lauren Kelly’s brace and Kylie Murphy’s winner ensured a 3-2 win at the Aviva.

PREDICTION

Wexford Youths 1 – 2 Peamount United

Wexford Youths

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.

Peamount United

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.