Peamount looking to build on opening day victory
Peamount United will look to build on their emphatic opening day success over Sligo Rovers when they visit Galway WFC in the Women’s National League at Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday evening (kick-off 6pm).
Eager to bounce back from the disappointment of losing out on a third successive title in 2021, James O’Callaghan’s charges began as they meant to continue against WNL newcomers Sligo in PRL Park last weekend. Thanks in no small way to two goals apiece from club stalwarts Stephanie Roche and Aine O’Gorman – in the first and second halves respectively – the Newcastle club recorded an emphatic 6-0 victory over the Bit O’Red.
Having returned to Peamount for a second stint in the winter of 2020, Dora Gorman has re-established herself as a key member of the squad. She broke the deadlock in their league opener before off-season recruit Erin McLaughlin doubled their advantage.
Two goals in the space of five minutes from Roche ensured the Peas were 4-0 to the good at the break and well on their way towards maximum points. One of just five Republic of Ireland women’s centurions, O’Gorman bagged a brace of her own on the resumption to ensure Peamount sent out a statement of intent.
While it is unlikely that O’Callaghan’s side will be short of motivation at any point in 2022, they will be particularly fired up for their trip to the West on Saturday. When the Tribeswomen arrived in Newcastle for the final game of the 2021 league season, Peamount required a win by any margin to ensure an historic three-in-a-row was completed.
This seemed like a mere formality when O’Gorman and Tiegan Ruddy rattled the net early on in front of the TG4 cameras. Galway had other ideas, however, as they responded with goals from Emma Starr and Lynsey McKey to go in level at the break.
There was still every chance that Peamount could swing the pendulum back in their favour, but thanks to additional efforts by Shauna Brennan, former Peas star Julie-Ann Russell and Abbie Callanan, Galway recorded a stunning 5-2 triumph that opened the door for their closest rivals Shelbourne to secure the WNL crown.
While a win on Saturday wouldn’t fully make amends for that reversal last November, it is something the Peas will be hell-bent on claiming nonetheless. Though she never played for the club, the aforementioned Gorman is a native of Galway and will be hoping to make a memorable return to her home county this weekend.