League Preview: Galway -v- DLR Waves

GALWAY

Stephen Lally is preparing for his first home game in charge of the Tribeswomen as his side host DLR Waves at Eamonn Deacy Park in the Women’s National League on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 2pm).

It’s been over a month since Galway played at home, on that day it was Maz Sweeney who took charge of the side after Billy Clery stepped away from the managerial role in the days leading up to the game, which they lost 4-3 to Athlone Town.

Lally has since taken charge and after a 4-0 loss against WNL Champions Peamount United in his first game in charge, a win against Cork City before the mid-season break has followed with a draw away to Bohemians added to his tally last weekend.

Sinead Donovan opened the scoring in the first half in Dalymount Park last Saturday with a stunning long range effort having been teed up by Aoife Thompson.

A late free-kick by Chloe Darby spoiled the side’s chance at a second win in a row however.

Waves will offer a major test for the Tribeswomen but the addition of the vastly experienced Méabh DeBúrca, Julie-Ann Russell and Becky Walsh in recent weeks could tip the balance in the home side’s favour.

DLR WAVES

Waves’ recent run of form has seen them cut adrift somewhat from the three title challengers in the WNL but Graham Kelly’s side still sit firmly in fourth place and they will be determined to move further away from the bottom half with a win on Saturday.

The Dublin side have been impressive this season although their last three games have seen them suffer losses to Peamount United and Wexford Youths, with a clinical 5-0 win over Treaty United between those two games.

Last week they travelled to Ferrycarrig Park where goals from Lynn marie Grant and Orlaith Conlon put Youths out in front before Carla McManus’ sixth goal of the season halved the deficit late on.

They suffered a major stroke of misfortune minutes later however, when Niamh Barnes turned the ball into her own net to end any possibility of a Waves comeback last Saturday.

Niamh Barnes is a doubt for the Dublin side with a thig strain while Kerri Letmon and Katie Burdis have returned from injury.

MATCH STATS

DLR Waves are unbeaten in their last two games against the Galway Girls. Earlier this season the Dublin side ran out 2-1 winners over Galway at the UCD Bowl.

Waves’ striker Carla McManus has scored three times in her last two games in the WNL.

Stephen Lally’s side are unbeaten in two WNL games coming into Saturday’s fixture.

BETTING

Galway 15/8; Draw 13/5; DLR Waves 19/20.

PREDICTION

Galway 1–2 DLR Waves

Galway

Injured: N/A.

Doubtful: N/A.

Suspended: None.

DLR Waves

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Niamh Barnes.

Suspended: None.