PREVIEW - Women's President's Cup
The curtain raiser for the 2024 women's domestic season arrives on Saturday as Athlone Town takes on Peamount United in the President's Cup at Athlone Town Stadium.
This duel can be hyped up in many different ways. It can be seen as the Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup winners against the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division champions. Or it could be the title contenders against the title holders. Maybe even as the team on the rise versus the team at the top. Whatever way you describe it, just make sure to pay attention.
Tickets are still available to attend, while LOITV will provide full coverage. It promises to be a thrilling game as Athlone aim to retain the trophy that they won in the same venue last year. Peamount will view it as a piece of silverware missing from their collection - and also an opportunity to show their intent for the new season.
Athlone boss Ciaran Kilduff will be excited to see his new-look team in action. The additions of Casey Howe and Kerryanne Brown are the kind of upgrades that can supercharge a squad that was already inching closer to the very top. And everyone loves to see more attacking flair.
Peamount, meanwhile, have Erica Burke and Ciara Maher in the mix with a squad who are conscious of it being time to get back to work. Bringing in former Bohemians manager Sean Byrne as assistant to James O'Callaghan could prove to be a very shrewd move.
Essentially, this game will be decided on which team takes their chances in front of goal. Athlone will be looking to Chloe Singleton to be their chief creator, while Peamount will likely turn to Erin McLaughlin. But don't be surprised if someone else steps into the spotlight, such is the quality in both squads.
Howe will be keen to mark her competitive debut for Athlone with a big game so The Peas will need to ensure that they have their homework done on how to stop the former Sligo Rovers ace. If afforded freedom to roam, she will cut through the opposition defence and wreak havoc.
For the visiting team, Ellen Dolan and Freya Dolan provide a double threat that few teams knew how to handle towards the tail end of last season. The duo have excellent movement off the ball and an eye for goal that means they are a constant threat in the final third of the pitch.
All of this should combine to serve up a tasty opener for the 2024 season. A week before the Women's Premier Division season gets going, we have a real treat in watching these two teams go head to head for the prize of lifting the President's Cup.
2024 Women's President's Cup
Athlone Town v Peamount United
Saturday, March 2
Athlone Town Stadium
KO 17:00
LIVE on LOITV
The curtain raiser for the 2024 women's domestic season arrives on Saturday as Athlone Town takes on Peamount United in the President's Cup at Athlone Town Stadium.
This duel can be hyped up in many different ways. It can be seen as the Sports Direct Women's FAI Cup winners against the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division champions. Or it could be the title contenders against the title holders. Maybe even as the team on the rise versus the team at the top. Whatever way you describe it, just make sure to pay attention.
Tickets are still available to attend, while LOITV will provide full coverage. It promises to be a thrilling game as Athlone aim to retain the trophy that they won in the same venue last year. Peamount will view it as a piece of silverware missing from their collection - and also an opportunity to show their intent for the new season.
Athlone boss Ciaran Kilduff will be excited to see his new-look team in action. The additions of Casey Howe and Kerryanne Brown are the kind of upgrades that can supercharge a squad that was already inching closer to the very top. And everyone loves to see more attacking flair.
Peamount, meanwhile, have Erica Burke and Ciara Maher in the mix with a squad who are conscious of it being time to get back to work. Bringing in former Bohemians manager Sean Byrne as assistant to James O'Callaghan could prove to be a very shrewd move.
Essentially, this game will be decided on which team takes their chances in front of goal. Athlone will be looking to Chloe Singleton to be their chief creator, while Peamount will likely turn to Erin McLaughlin. But don't be surprised if someone else steps into the spotlight, such is the quality in both squads.
Howe will be keen to mark her competitive debut for Athlone with a big game so The Peas will need to ensure that they have their homework done on how to stop the former Sligo Rovers ace. If afforded freedom to roam, she will cut through the opposition defence and wreak havoc.
For the visiting team, Ellen Dolan and Freya Dolan provide a double threat that few teams knew how to handle towards the tail end of last season. The duo have excellent movement off the ball and an eye for goal that means they are a constant threat in the final third of the pitch.
All of this should combine to serve up a tasty opener for the 2024 season. A week before the Women's Premier Division season gets going, we have a real treat in watching these two teams go head to head for the prize of lifting the President's Cup.
2024 Women's President's Cup
Athlone Town v Peamount United
Saturday, March 2
Athlone Town Stadium
KO 17:00
LIVE on LOITV
