The SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division campaign rolls into its third week, with Galway United facing the sternest examination of their title credentials yet as they travel to Peamount United.
Phil Trill's side have two wins from two having taken care of DLR Waves and Bohemians. Galway have scored eight and conceded two, but they'll be up against it when they square up to the Peas, who are smarting from last week's 1-0 loss at Wexford.
Peamount were unlucky not to come away with a point, but this is an opportunity for them to offer a reminder of their own chances of winning this league.
Shamrock Rovers were held to a 1-1 draw by Athlone Town last time out, however Collie O'Neill's youthful outfit have been massively buoyed by the arrival of Republic of Ireland international Ruesha Littlejohn. She impressed on her debut against Athlone, bending in a quality free-kick while generally dictating the tempo for the Hoops in the engine room.
A win against Treaty United would be a real shot in the arm but they'll be braced for a tough battle. Treaty are only behind Galway on goal difference having also won their first pair of matches.
New arrivals to the division Waterford make the trek to the Showgrounds looking to pick up their first points against Sligo Rovers.
Gary Hunt's charges showed plenty of heart against Shels last week, keeping the FAI Cup holders at bay for 64 minutes until Mackenzie Anthony's opener broke their resistance, the Reds eventually running out 4-0 victors.
The Bit O’Red are also targeting a first win of the season after following up an opening-weekend draw against Bohs with a 4-0 loss at Cork City.
That win was a great morale boost for Cork, who'd been beaten 2-0 by Peamount in their first game but certainly showed enough that day to suggest they will trouble teams this year. A trip to Athlone Town won't be easy; the reigning champions have four points on the board plus their American players - Madison Gibson, Natalie McNally and Katherine Sullivan - are all now fully cleared to play after receiving their work permits.
Bohs host Wexford at Dalymount Park off the back of a disappointing result against Galway. Hannah Healy had given them a dream start with a goal in the first minute, but the westerners' attacking potency put paid to the Dubliners' hopes of victory. Meanwhile Wexford look like a team ready to click, particularly with a fit and sharp Ellen Molloy leading their attack. They got off the mark with a good 1-0 defeat of Peamount at Ferrycarrig Park.
Eoin Wearen's Shelbourne are ticking along nicely. They were stung by a very late Shamrock Rovers winner two weeks ago but played well that day. The win in Waterford was a positive response, and they'll expect another three points when they make the hop over to UCD to take on a DLR Waves outfit who've shipped seven goals already.
FIXTURES
(Saturday 22 March)
Bohemians v Wexford, Dalymount Park, 3pm
DLR Waves v Shelbourne, UCD Bowl, 3pm
Peamount United v Galway United, PLR Park, 5pm
Shamrock Rovers v Treaty United, Tallaght Stadium, 5pm
Athlone Town v Cork City, Athlone Town Stadium, 7.30pm
Sligo Rovers v Waterford, the Showgrounds, 7.35pm
