Douglas targets top three finish

Wexford Youths Women travel to Cork this weekend hoping to build on their victory over DLR Waves last time out.

Linda Douglas, who opened the scoring against DLR believes a positive start to this campaign can see her side improve on their fourth place finish season. The Slaneysider’s picked up two points in their opening four games last year so are already ahead of that total this term but Douglas believes they can be more consistent this time out.

“Last year we picked up most of our points in the final round of games. This year we can’t afford to be inconsistent if we want to finish higher in the league table. We would like to go one step further than last year and finish in the top three,” said the Waterford native.

Wexford suffered defeat on the opening day of this season’s campaign to champions Peamount but Douglas is happy with how her side responded to that set back.

“Each week we are working very hard to build on our performance from the previous game. We have acknowledged that perhaps we weren’t quite ready for the opening game of the season, but we are working very hard and getting closer to where we want to be,” said the 24 year old.

Wexford have added a number of players to their squad for this campaign include former international Lynn Marie Grant and Douglas believes those editions can only help their performances this season.

“Naturally, with the addition of new players it takes time for the team to gel on the pitch and get used to the different styles of play by the new players are fitting in very well and are a great addition to the club. We have quite a few young and very talented players on the team this year. It keeps us all on or toes as there is competition for

places each week,” she said.

Wexford picked up four points from a possible six last season on Leeside and this Sunday Cork’s defenders will need to keep an eye on the midfielder who scored last time out, however she is quick to credit her teammates contribution to that goal.

“Claire Conlon made a great run from left back and delivered an equally good ball in and I guess I was just in the right place at the right time to finish it. I always enjoy playing against Cork as it guarantees a hard fought game and having spent four years in UCC it’s always nice to go back down there to play,” she concluded.