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WNL preview: Shels look to turn up heat on Peamount

Emily Whelan has been in good form for Shelbourne
Emily Whelan has been in good form for Shelbourne

Phase Two of the Women's National League continues this weekend, after the division was split into two group following the first eight games.

The top five teams basically form Group 1, and the bottom four make up Group 2. They all play each other twice, with points accumulated from Phase One carried over.

It breathes fresh life into the campaign, particularly for those sides who were struggling to pick up points.


Shelbourne v Cork City, Tolka Park, 2pm

Shels are two points behind group leaders Peamount United and seven clear of third-placed Cork, who have a game in hand. 

Shels have scored 26 time in nine games and have scoring threats all over the par, with the likes of Jessica Ziu and Emily Whelan in scorching form.

Cork will be hoping Saoirse Noonan can continue to keep up her sky-high standards. Republic of Ireland boss Vera Pauw has been keeping a close eye on the attacker, who has produced a string of fine performances recently.

Wexford Youths v Galway WFC, Ferrycarrig Park, 4pm

It's a tough assignment for bottom side Galway who are hoping to leapfrog defending FAI Cup holders Wexford in the group with a victory on the road.

Wexford were turned over 5-2 by a rampant Shelbourne two weeks ago so they'll still be smarting from that, while Galway went down 2-0 against Peamount United.


Bohemians v Treaty United, Oscar Traynor Centre, 2pm

Dave Rooney's Treaty United are second in the group on goal difference behind DLR Waves but they have reasons to be upbeat.

The club have undergone a total transformation, changing their name and colours having played as Limerick last season.

Rooney brought in Tara O'Gorman and Maggie Duncliffe, while keeping hold of veteran Marie Curtin, and progressed to the semi-finals of FAI Women's Senior Cup. 

Meanwhile Bohs - another newly formed outfit - will be searching for their second win of the campaign, having earned their first against Athlone Town three weeks ago.

DLR Waves v Athlone Town, Jackson Park, 6.30pm

A fresh pair of eyes is something that every manager will want from their assistant coach and that is exactly what Graham Kelly is getting at DLR Waves.

In John Sullivan, he has found a rookie coach who is eager to learn, willing to listen and determined to make an impact. It is those traits that mark the former League of Ireland player out as the ideal assistant coach.

Since linking up with DLR, Sullivan has, by all accounts, brought an extra edge to their training. Players speak about his desire to raise standards and to be the hardest working person on the pitch

The Dublin-based outfit take on Athlone Town this weekend, hoping to clinch their second win of the season, and the aim will be to finish top of Group 2.

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