League Preview: Treaty United -v- Wexford Youths

TREATY UNITED

A first-ever meeting for Treaty United and Wexford Youths takes place on Sunday afternoon at the Markets Field (kick-off 2pm).

Youths have been here before, of course, when Limerick were in the league but Treaty have shown enough to suggest they are a different proposition.

Two wins from their opening five games would be considered a good return for Dave Rooney’s side, but they were disappointed not to make it three in Athlone.

A heavy defeat at the hands of Cork City at the weekend was equally dispiriting: they were 5-0 down before late goals from Aoife and Rebecca Horgan.

Aoife’s return of five goals in five games is equally as impressive – the only game in which she failed to score was the season opener at Peamount United.

The Kerry striker’s prolific start to the season is one reason why Treaty can welcome the reigning FAI Cup champions to Limerick with reasonable hope they can hurt them.

WEXFORD YOUTHS

It’s been quite a couple of weeks for Wexford: their first defeat of the season at Shelbourne followed by a 3-0 thumping of the champions Peamount United.

The scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story of that game – Peamount were impressive for the first half despite conceding twice – but will have done wonders for Youths’ confidence.

An early goal from defender Nicola Sinnott set the tone before Ellen Molloy continued her marvellous start to life in senior football with a goal in either half.

The second, in particular, was a thing of beauty, an effortless chip over the keeper to celebrate her call-up to the full Ireland squad to face beauty.

With Shelbourne not in action this week, Youths can use their game in hand to cut the gap with the league leaders back to four points (with a further game in hand).

Referee: TBC

MATCH STATS

The sides haven’t met since Treaty were established ahead of the new season but Dave Rooney’s Limerick side have locked horns with Youths several times over the years.

He won’t want to remember Youths’ last visit to Limerick, however: Rianna Jarrett scored five in an 11-1 win for the then champions.

PREDICTION

Treaty United 1 – 4 Wexford Youths

Treaty United

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.

Wexford Youths

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.