League Preview: Cork City -v- Galway

CORK CITY

Cork City welcome Galway to Bishopstown knowing a win could lift them above Shelbourne into second, depending on the result in Limerick (kick-off 2pm).

City are currently the form team in the country with a run of six straight victories in all competitions since losing their opening two games.

Rónán Collins’ side are brimming with confidence and took that into last week’s FAI Cup tie away to Bohemians, winning 3-1.

Goals from Lauren Egbuloniu, Ciara McNamara and Nathalie O’Brien helped the Leesiders to a 3-0 half-time lead before Abbie Brophy scored a consolation after the break.

Saoirse Noonan wasn’t on target but her performances over the month of September were enough to earn the 21-year-old the player of the month award.

"Saoirse has loads of ability and talent, but sometimes we forget how young she is. During lockdown she put a lot of effort into herself and that is bearing fruits now," said Collins.

"We have definitely seen her leadership skills grow. She is very hungry to be successful and wants to drive her team on to be a success.”

He added: "Over the past number of weeks we have put the focus on performance with the hope that the results will come - and they have.

“The girls have been great with that and with taking on the responsibility of solving problems on the pitch. They are doing work that people might not always see.”

GALWAY

Like City, Galway are in a good vein of form, in the league at least, with just one defeat from their seven matches to date.

Last week saw the Galway Girls knocked out of the FAI Cup at the quarter-final stage at the hands of the holders Wexford Youths.

Lauren Kelly’s goal five minutes from time sealed the victory for Youths after Galway had taken the lead midway through the first half.

Meabh De Burca put Galway in front 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.

Referee: TBC

MATCH STATS

The sides have yet to meet this season but there is plenty of reason to expect goals aplenty going by their three meetings last season.

A total of 17 goals were scored across the three games, Galway winning 5-3 in Bishopstown and 4-1 at Deacy Park before a 2-2 draw in the final game in Cork.

BETTING

Cork City 19/20; Draw 14/5; Galway 29/20.

PREDICTION

Cork City 3 – 2 Galway

Cork City

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.

Galway

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.