WNL Season Preview - Raheny United

How they did last season: Runners-up. The Northsiders were pipped to the post last season, with just three points between them and winners Peamount United at the top of the table. Raheny actually led for much of the season and beat Peas at home and away, but drawing away at Wexford and losing 1-0 to Peamount in Morton Stadium in the last three games ultimately cost them the title.

How are they shaping up this year: Encouraging pre-season wins against Ireland under 19s (1-0) and Wexford Youths (5-2) bode well for Raheny this season. Manager Ger McDermott has been astutely adding to last season’s squad, with former Shamrock Rovers striker Noelle Murray and ex-Peamount midfielder Caroline Thorpe among the newcomers. Becky Walsh and Lynn Bradley are among those who have left the club, but overall Raheny again look like a strong outfit.

Key Player: Rebecca Creagh. The all-action midfielder is usually at the heart of Raheny United, captaining the side and acting as its creative fulcrum. She’ll hope to continue in her role as playmaker, while also anchoring the Raheny midfield. As if that wasn’t enough, Creagh can chip in with the odd goal too- she finished with eight last season. If Creagh is firing, Raheny generally are too.

One to Watch: Katie McCabe. McCabe seemingly came from nowhere last season when Raheny were a bit thin up front and ended the season with five goals, despite not playing for much of the first half of the year. If Raheny are to match Peamount this season, they’ll probably need to score more goals- last season they were outscored by 27. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why the likes of McCabe, as well as Siobhan Killeen and Noelle Murray, could be crucial.

Prediction: Runners-up. They look like they have improved, so this could be closer than many people think. Without discounting Wexford, Cork or any other side – at the moment Raheny United and Peamount United are certainly the two favourites. Between those two, it could well come down to head-to-head record – which Raheny edged last season. Ultimately though, it's hard to see past the defending champions for the league.