League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Peamount United
Ciara Grant of Shelbourne LFC watches as her ball goes into the back of the net during Shelbourne's 5-0 win over Athlone Town on Saturday, 5 June 2021. Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)
SHELBOURNE
The Reds will be looking to leapfrog Peamount United into first place in the Women’s National League when they host the current Champions at Tolka Park on Saturday (kick-off 2pm).
Noel King’s side are level on points with Peamount, although they have a game at hand currently with James O’Callaghan’s side having a bye week last weekend.
A tight 1-0 victory over Cork City last weekend has drawn Shelbourne level at the top of the table, a Noelle Murray goal in the first half making the difference for the Reds on the day.
Having lost their first meeting earlier this season, a victory for Shelbourne will be extremely important for their title ambitions this year.
In team news, Chloe Mustaki has returned to training as she continues her recovery from a long term injury, but she is not yet ready to feature.
Rebecca Creagh and Alex Kavanagh are still absent for the Reds.
PEAMOUNT UNITED
Peamount United may have to worry a bit about match sharpness coming into Saturday’s game having had an extra week off after the mid-season break due to a bye week.
United will be looking to return to winning ways when they face their rivals at Tolka Park after Wexford ended their 15 game winning streak before the break, earlier this month.
O’Callaghan’s side went in at halftime in that game 2-0 up after Megan Smyth-Lynch and Aine O’Gorman netted for Peas, Youth came back in the second half however, and Nicola Sinnott and Kylie Murphy saw to it that the points would be shared on the day.
Peas still haven’t been beaten in 16 games however, and they also have a great record over Shelbourne over the last two years so expect the Champions to still be favorites heading into Saturday’s game.
Peas have also found out their Champions League opponents ahead of this weekend’s game with United set to face Serbian side Spartak Subotica in the first round of the competition in August.
MATCH STATS
Peamount United are unbeaten in 16 WNL games coming into Saturday’s fixture.
Eleanor Ryan-Doyle is still top of the goalscoring charts with ten goals so far this season.
Peamount United are on a five game winning streak against the Reds with in all competition with Shelbourne last beating Peas in October 2019.
BETTING
Shelbourne 12/5; Draw 5/2; Peamount United 5/6.
PREDICTION
Shelbourne 1–2 Peamount United
Shelbourne
Injured: Rebecca Creagh, Alex Kavanagh.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Peamount United
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