League Preview: Athlone Town -v- DLR Waves

Laurie Ryan in action for Athlone Town during their 6-0 loss to Peamount United in the WNL on Saturday. 8 May 2021.

Laurie Ryan in action for Athlone Town during their 6-0 loss to Peamount United in the WNL on Saturday. 8 May 2021. Credit: Gerry Shanahan (ETPhotos)

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town will be looking to bounce back from a tough defeat last weekend when they face DLR Waves on Saturday in the Women’s National League (kick-off 7pm).

The Town are still without a win after five games but they had been in step with each team they faced up until their trip to WNL Champions Peamount United last weekend.

With two draws to their name and losses by slim margins to both Shelbourne and Wexford Youths, Tommy Hewitt would have been hoping to hold United to a similar score.

It wasn’t to be for the young side however, as Peas were in flying form on the day with six goals at PRL Park to seals the victory.

Athlone are a much tougher side to beat than that score would suggest and if they can regroup for the game ahead they can still prove a tough test for Waves.

Tommy Hewitt will have the benefit of having a full squad to choose from for the game on Saturday evening.

DLR WAVES

Waves returned to winning ways last weekend, having been beaten 2-1 by Shelbourne two weeks ago.

Graham Kelly’s side faced Bohemians at the UCD Bowl last Saturday where they ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a Shauna Carroll effort from long range.



Defensively Waves have been performing really well with just four goals conceded so far this season.

In terms of their offense though, they haven’t managed to catch fire at any stage and they currently have the second lowest tally of goals for the season so far with six.

With the Town often being a very tough team to break down, Waves will have to prepare well for a tough time on the attacking front this weekend.

“Kate Mooney and Jane McKevitt are still out but Louise Corrigan is making good progress after returning to light running last week as she recovers from an ACL injury,” manager Graham Kelly told the club’s media team this week.

“Katie Burdis is fully fit after making her first appearance of the season from the bench on Saturday, and Catherine Cronin is available again, but Nadine Clare is a slight doubt with an ankle injury.”

MATCH STATS



Athlone Town and DLR Waves have scored the least amount of goals this season with five and six goals the tally for each club so far this season.

The sides have met just once before in the WNL. Waves visited Athlone Town Stadium last September where they won 4-1.

A win for Tommy Hewitt’s side would be their first of the WNL campaign.

BETTING

Athlone Town 13/2; Draw 16/5; DLR Waves 3/10.

PREDICTION

Athlone Town 0–2 DLR Waves

Athlone Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

DLR Waves

Injured: Kate Mooney, Jane McKevitt, Louise Corrigan.

Doubtful: Nadine Clare.

Suspended: None.