League Preview: Cork City -v- DLR Waves

CORK CITY

The Rebels will be looking to get their first win of the Women’s National League season when they host DLR Waves at Turner’s Cross on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 2pm).

After losing 3-0 to Shelbourne two weeks ago Cork’s manager Ronán Collins would have been hoping that his side could secure their first win when they faced Bohemians last Saturday.

Despite taking the lead twice with two goals from Lauren Egbuloniu along with a 73^rd minute effort from Laura Shine, the Gypsies dug in and managed to nab a draw with Chloe Darby scoring from the penalty spot in the 83^rd minute for a share of the points.

That was the third game in a row in which Cork City have conceded three goals which might be a worrying trend for the Rebels.

Waves will be another challenge for Cork, they haven’t set the world alight in front of goal but with two impressive results under their belts against Wexford Youths and Galway, the Rebels may struggle to get that first win on Saturday.

Cork still have a number of injury concerns going into the weekend with Zara Foley, Sophie Liston, Nathalie O'Brien and Katie McCarthy all still sidelined with injury for the Rebels.

DLR WAVES

Waves have looked much improved this season so far and Graham Kelly’s side have the results to prove it.

A draw against Wexford Youths opened their campaign and that was followed last week by a 2-1 win over Galway, which was their first victory over Galway in four years.

Kate Mooney opened the scoring on the quarter hour mark for Waves at the UCD Bowl last Saturday before the visitors drew level when Rachel Kearns powered home a header with just over ten minutes to go before the final whistle.

Rather than settle for a second point of the season DLR Waves searched for a winner and they found it when Katie Malone took advantage of a goalkeeping error in the 87^th minute to secure the three points.

Kelly’s side will be hoping to keep their unbeaten start to the season going when they visit Cork this weekend.

MATCH STATS

Cork have won the last two meetings between the sides going back to September 2019.

Waves have won just once out of the last four meetings between themselves and Cork.

The Rebels have conceded the second highest amount of goals so far in 2021 with 9 goals against the side, 3 in each game.

BETTING

Cork City 5/2; Draw 13/5; DLR Waves 17/20.

PREDICTION

Cork City 2–2 DLR Waves

Cork City

Injured: Zara Foley, Sophie Liston, Nathalie O'Brien, Katie McCarthy.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

DLR Waves

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.