League Preview: Galway -v- Bohemians

GALWAY

The Tribeswomen will be looking to secure their first win of the new WNL season when Bohemians visit Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 2pm).

Galway got off to a disappointing start in their first game of the season playing out a 3-3 draw when they hosted Cork City.

Despite the side going two goals up in the first half, some sloppy defending allowed the Rebels to net twice in a row with no reply to get a foothold in the game.

The shining star for Galway was Rachel Kearns, the striker completed her hattrick by the end of the first half with her volleyed third goal an early contender for goal of the season.

Galway failed to see the game out however, and a missed penalty in the second half followed by a long range equalizing goal from Becky Cassin saw the home side earn just one point last weekend.

Manager Billy Clery wasn’t able to hide his disappointment when he spoke to the press after the game.

This week the Gypsies come to town after scoring 6 times in their opening game of the season and Galway will need to be wary of that potent attack if they are to come away with the win.

Galway will be bolstered by the return of the experienced Keara Cormican and Ruth Fahy to add to their defensive options ahead of Saturday’s games along with a fully fit squad besides.

BOHEMIANS

The Gypsies had a great day in front of goal last Saturday as they opened their campaign with a 6-2 win over Treaty United.

Bronagh Kane put the side 2-0 up with two goals in quick succession in the opening ten minutes before Naima Chemaou and Sophie Watters doubled the lead before half time.

A brief two goal fight back by the Limerick side was halted when substitute Aoife Robinson secured a brace of her own, scoring in the 61^st and 80^th minutes to leave no doubt as to where the three points was going on the day.

Despite the impressive display of attacking prowess last weekend, their trip to Galway will pose a much bigger challenge.

However, with the Tribeswomen showing some defensive frailties last weekend Bohemians should look to test that Galway back line on Saturday.

Impressive too, was the side’s bench to add to the goals with substitute Aoife Robinson netting twice and Erica Burke providing an assist.

With a good result under their belt and with no injuries picked in the squad so far, Sean Byrne’s side will be going to Deacy Park in a good place to get a result.

Referee: Declan Toland

MATCH STATS

The sides met just once during Bohemians inaugural WNL campaign last year. Billy Clery’s side ran out 4-1 winners with Aoife Thompson securing a brace with Shauna Fox and Elle O’Flaherty both adding goals for the Tribeswomen.

Rachel Kearns is top of the goalscoring charts after the first series of games with the striker netting three times in the first half of Galway’s 3-3 draw with Cork City last weekend.

Bohemians’ Aoife Robinson and Bronagh Kane jointly occupy the second sport with two goals each after their 6-2 win over Treaty United.

BETTING

Galway 8/13; Draw 16/5; Bohemians 13/5.

PREDICTION

Galway 4–2 Bohemians

Galway

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.