Peamount aim to maintain perfect start
By Daire Walsh
CHAMPIONS Peamount United will seek to preserve their 100% start to the new Women’s National League season when they welcome Cork City to PRL Park in Greenogue on Saturday evening (kick-off 6pm).
This will be a rematch of last year’s FAI Cup decider in Tallaght – a game that the Newcastle club won on a comprehensive final scoreline of 6-0. Cork have endured a difficult start to this year’s league and are still searching for their first competitive win of 2021.
Their attacking threat was showcased in a brace of 3-3 draws against Galway WFC and Bohemians, however, while they also shared the spoils with Athlone Town in a four-goal thriller at the beginning of May. Yet a 3-1 defeat to Wexford last week leaves them seventh in the league standings with three points, a full six places and 12 points adrift of the high-flying Peamount.
James O’Callaghan’s charges achieved their latest victory of the campaign at home to Athlone last Saturday, with Sadhbh Doyle (two), Tiegan Ruddy, Megan Smyth-Lynch, Aine O’Gorman and Orlagh Fitzpatrick all finding the net in a 6-0 success.
In their five games to date, Peamount have registered 15 goals and conceded just one. Competition for places is fierce within the Peas squad and this is encapsulated by the two players vying for the number one spot.
While former Republic of Ireland international Niamh Reid-Burke held the fort for victories at the expense of Wexford and Bohemians, the highly-rated Naoisha McAloon was given the nod for games against Shelbourne, Treaty United and Athlone.
Peamount are also well-stocked in both the wide and central attacking areas. Team captain and international centurion O’Gorman is an ever-present on the right-wing and Smyth-Lynch is also a regular fixture on the far flank.
Stephanie Roche featured on the left-hand side in a recent away win over Treaty and has also lined out in a more natural striker role. Doyle was selected alongside Eleanor Ryan-Doyle in attack last Saturday and both players are currently in excellent form for the league holders.
There are expected to be many twists and turns for Peamount as they look to secure an historic third consecutive WNL title in 2021. Wexford, Shelbourne and DLR Waves are all breathing down their necks, but another win on Saturday will keep them at arm’s length for the time being.