WNL Cup Preview: Shelbourne -v- Peamount United

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne have the tough task of becoming the first side to beat Peamount United in any competition when they host the WNL Cup semi-final at Tolka Park (kick-off 2pm).

Dave Bell’s side have been in good form in the league this season, with only a narrow defeat to the Peas and draws with champions Wexford and Galway to blot their copybook.

They reached the semi-finals with a comfortable 3-1 win away to Cork City, with Noelle Murray, Alannah McEvoy and Rebecca Creagh on target.

The Reds are, by some distance, the top scorers in the competition with 41 goals in nine games – an average of more than 4.5 per game – with Alex Kavanagh notching nine.

Nevertheless, they’ll have their work cut out for them at Tolka Park against a side who go into every game expecting to win.

“I think it’s safe for me to say that we are the underdogs going into the game,” manager Dave Bell told the league’s official website.

“They have had an excellent start to the season. They beat us when we played them in the league and I’d have to say that I felt they deserved the win that day.

“We have been working hard and I think we are a good footballing team, we’ve also being scoring goals.

“So, I think both managers will be going into it expecting a tough game. I can’t see it being an easy one and hopefully it is a good spectacle for the fans.”



Shelbourne haven’t provided team news for the game but striker Creagh is likely to be out for some time with a recurrence of her broke foot.

PEAMOUNT UNITED

Peamount United make the short trip across the capital looking to maintain their 100% record in all competitions.

That record was under serious threat at PRL Park seven days ago, however, when Amber Barrett struck in injury time to snatch the three points against Galway.

Goals from the prolific Barrett and Aine O’Gorman had the Peas cruising but goals from Sadhbh Doyle and Meabh De Burca levelled for Galway before Barrett sealed it late on.

A 2-0 win over DLR Waves in the previous round saw Peamount ease into the semi-finals thanks to a goal in each half from Eleanor Ryan Doyle.



Peamount have not provided team news for the game.

Referee: TBC

MATCH STATS

The sides have met once so far this season, in the league, with Peamount winning 2-0 at PRL Park thanks to goals from Aine O’Gorman and Karen Duggan.

BETTING

Shelbourne 13/10; Draw 11/4; Peamount United 13/10.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 1 – 3 Peamount United

Shelbourne

Injured: Rebecca Creagh.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.

Peamount United

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.