18 February 2016
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Cork City W.F.C. welcome Peamount United to Bishopstown Stadium this Sunday (21st February) at 2pm in the Continental Tyres Women’s National League.
The game which was originally scheduled for November which was postponed due to international call-ups took time to rearrange with the adverse weather severely affecting the Women’s National League throughout the winter period. However, The Leesiders have managed to get a run of games together recently with the draw against Kilkenny at the start of the month followed by last week’s 4-1 defeat to UCD Waves in Jackson Park where a depleted side took the field.
File photo of Cork City WFC in action
While there is always disappointment in defeat, new manager Frank Kelleher isn’t getting too down about it “While we faced a difficult first half against UCD, our second half performance had a lot of positives. The intensity along with the mentality and organisation improved as the game went on – it’s something I’m quite pleased about. We still have a young side that are adapting to the rigours of National League and seeing them continuing to fight in this manner is the most pleasing aspect of our performance from my point of view. We’ve been working on the key mental and physical aspects in training this week in preparation for Peamount.”
The manager was quick to highlight how the upturn in weather recently should be a major help “We’re delighted to get back to our base in CIT this week and have the use of Bishopstown after the bad weather in the last few weeks. It’s been difficult to build momentum this year with the breaks so we’re delighted to get a run of games under our belt. We must now take this level of intensity on to match day, and deliver a performance that rewards our hard work.”
“We are glad to have our players who were away on international duty back and in contention for selection for this game – we were a little stretched between international call ups and injury for last week so having five players back is a real bonus. Sadly we’re still without long-term absentees Chelsea and Stacey but it’s great to have these players still involved with the squad.”
The Leesiders welcome back a number of players for this game but will be without both Chelsea Noonan and Stacey Paul who are out with long term injuries. However, they are welcoming back the five U17 internationals who were on duty during last weekend against Poland – Lauren Homan, Tara O’Gorman, Saorise Noonan and Danielle Burke.
Injuries – Chelsea Noonan, Stacey Paul
Suspensions – none
Absentees – none
