The SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division returns for Round Two with another full programme of fixtures this Saturday.
Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne were the standout performers on the opening weekend securing 2-0 wins against Cork City and Treaty United, respectively.
Sligo Rovers were equally as impressive, securing a point against last year’s league & cup champions, Athlone Town, in a 1-1 draw thanks to an Emma Hansberry free-kick. Wexford and Waterford played out a 0-0 draw, while an Isabella Beletitic header secured all three points for Galway United against DLR Waves.
Peamount United’s visit to Tallaght Stadium opens up the weekend’s action with James O’Callaghan facing his former side, where he won three league titles over eight years. Shamrock Rovers looked sharp in their opener against Cork City, with new arrival, Sadhbh Doyle, breaking the deadlock and Emily Corbet adding a second shortly after.
There will be an extra edge to this Dublin Derby as O’Callaghan returns to face the Peas alongside several ex-teammates. Shamrock Rovers vs Peamount will be shown live on TG4, with coverage starting from 12:30.
The defending Champions Athlone Town will need a win to get their historic three-in-a-row bid moving after last week’s draw to Sligo Rovers, although the shock departure of head coach John Sullivan after just one game into the league season will certainly throw a spanner in the works.
DLR Waves will be looking to etch their first points onto the league table following last week’s home loss to Galway United, although the Waves will need to be disciplined to get anything from the double-champions on their home patch.
The Connacht Derby should be a strong contest between two sides who had strong opening weekends. Galway United secured a 1-0 away win against DLR Waves, which will keep their hopes of a result high, while Sligo Rovers will travel south with genuine confidence after holding champions Athlone Town to a 1-1 draw at The Showgrounds.
Cork City will be looking to respond after last week’s 2-0 home defeat to Shamrock Rovers against their opposite number Bohemians. Sarah McKevitt will look to continue her fine goalscoring form with a brace in the opening weekend against Peamount United. A trip to Dalymount Park will be far from straightforward for the Leesiders.
Treaty United were beaten by Shelbourne in the opening day fixture but will take many positives from an impressive second-half display against the Reds. Waterford will be relatively pleased with last week’s goalless draw in the South-East Derby, as they begin their second season in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division.
Shelbourne manager Séan Russell marked his first game in charge against his former club with a convincing win and will be looking to continue that form into Saturday’s game against Wexford, while the Ferrycarrig Park outfit will have been frustrated by their goalless draw against Waterford last week.
SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division
Saturday 21 March
Shamrock Rovers v Peamount United, Tallaght Stadium, 12:45 KO (Live on TG4, on-air 12:30)
Bohemians v Cork City, Dalymount Park, 15:00 KO (LOITV)
Treaty United v Waterford, Markets Field, 15:00 KO (LOITV)
Galway United v Sligo Rovers, Eamonn Deacy Park, 17:00 KO (LOITV)
Wexford v Shelbourne, Ferrycarrig Park, 18:00 KO (LOITV)
Athlone Town v DLR Waves, Athlone Town Stadium, 18:00 KO (LOITV)
