League Preview: DLR Waves -v- Wexford Youths

DLR WAVES

DLR Waves wrap up the first round of Women’s National League fixtures with the visit of Wexford Youths to the UCD Bowl (kick-off 2pm).

The league splits into two from next, with the top five playing one another in a round robin and the bottom four likewise - Waves are in the latter group, Wexford the former.

Graham Kelly’s side come into the game on the back of two defeats in a week: 2-0 away to Treaty United in the FAI Cup and 3-2 away to Peamount United in the league.

A battling performance at PRL Park saw Rachel Doyle score twice in quick succession to cancel out first-half strikes from Aine O’Gorman and Eleanor Ryan Doyle.

O’Gorman struck her second just before the hour to give the champions a lead they would hold on to until the final whistle.

The task will get no easier as the FAI Cup holders roll into Belfield but, at least, they will have home advantage and the belief they can mix it with the top teams.

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Youths travel to Dublin knowing a win could see them move back above Cork City into third place, depending on results elsewhere.

Youths come into the game on the back of a hard-fought 3-2 victory away to Galway in the FAI Cup last week.

Lauren Kelly’s goal five minutes from time sealed Tom Elmes’ side’s place in the semi-finals after the lead had twice exchanged hands.

Meabh De Burca put Galway in front early on before goals from Ciara Rossiter and Ciara Rossiter turned the tables shortly before half time.

Jamie Turrentine pulled Galway back to level pegging midway through the second half but Ireland Colleges star Kelly settled the tie late on.

Aoife Slattery and Trina Duggan are long-term injury absentees but Sinead Taylor is in line for her debut after returning from injury to make the matchday squad in Galway.

Referee: TBC

MATCH STATS

This is the first time the sides have met this season but Wexford ran out winners in each of their three meetings in 2019.

3-0 wins home and away for Youths preceded a 7-2 scoreline at Ferrycarrig Park at the latter end of the season.

BETTING

DLR Waves 7/1; Draw 4/1; Wexford Youths 1/5.

PREDICTION

DLR Waves 1 – 3 Wexford Youths

DLR Waves

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.

Wexford Youths

Injured: Trina Duggan, Aoife Slattery.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.