League Preview: Galway -v- Cork City
Galway manager Billy Clery will be looking for his side to move up the table this season. Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)
GALWAY
The Tribeswomen will be looking to get their season off to a perfect start on Saturday afternoon when Cork City visit Eamonn Deacy Park for the first time since 2019 (kick-off 4pm).
Galway managed to fourth place finishes in the Women’s National League in 2018 and 2019 and will be looking to make more progress this season having finished in fifth, behind Saturday’s opponents, last season.
There are plenty of new additions in line for their WNL debuts with Maja Zajc and Elena van Niekerk arriving at the club ahead of the 2021 season among others.
Billy Clery’s side could be set up to score goals on Saturday with Aoife Thompson and Lynsey McKey returning for the new season alongside former Everton, Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers striker Kaya Pottinger.
CORK CITY
The Rebels are in a similar position to Galway after a fourth place finish in 2020.
Manager Ronán Collins will be hoping his side can nab three points against what could be the side that pose the biggest threat to their success this season.
The signing of Sarah McKevitt from Champions Peamount United during the offseason could prove to be a key transfer for Cork this season.
A large part of last year’s squad is still at Turner’s Cross this season with Ciara McNamara, Christina Dring, Katie McCarthy and Zara Foley all still with the side, so it should be expected that City will be as tough as last season.
Becky Cassin has been given the captain’s armband this season, and if the midfielder can start her season strong Cork will be a tough opponent for Galway on Saturday afternoon.
Referee: Joe Hession
MATCH STATS
The last time these sides met Cork City emerged victorious, winning 2-1.
Galway and Cork met once more during the season, the result was reversed that time with Lynsey McKey netting twice to lead Galway to a 2-1 victory.
Cork City travel to Eamonn Deacy Park for the first time since July 2019.
BETTING
Gaway 1/2; Draw 16/5; Cork City 17/5.
PREDICTION
Galway 2–1 Cork City
Galway
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Cork City
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
About Paul Corcoran
Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile