Galway Women's FC host their first game of the new National League season in Eamonn Deacy Park on Saturday (6pm ).
After an opening day win away to Limerick, Galway will be looking to maintain the winning momentum when hosting Peamount United.
Peamount also enjoyed an opening day success, defeating Cork City 2-1 at home, and as a result Galway manager Billy Clery will want his charges to raise their game for this weekend’s test.
Galway completed last season's campaign in a creditable fourth place, but some distance off Peamount in third - thus a sizeable home crowd would be a help in prompting Galway over the line at this early stage of the season.
The new Só Hotels Women’s National League kick started last weekend, and proved a different test in difficult conditions.
Galway ran out comfortable 6-3 winnersm playing in torrential conditions in Limerick.
Galway struck first on 17 minutes, capitalising on a mistake at the back when teenager Sinead Donovan slotted home. Just before the respite of the changing room at half-time, Galway doubled their lead when Aoife Thompson tapped home from close range.
With the elements at their back, Galway dominated the opening exchanges of the second half. On 51 minutes a curling Lynsey McKey shot found the net, and six minutes later, after some good work on the left, Thompson’s low cross was deflected into the net by the Limerick defence.
McKey and Donovan both scored their second goals of the afternoon to make it 6-0 - first McKey with an excellent half volley, then Donovan tucking her shot into the corner.
Having dominated on the scoreboard, Galway took their feet off the pedals, allowing Limerick score three quick goals in the final eight minutes through Sylvia Gee, Aoife Horgan and Sophie Liston. It is unlikely they can afford that luxury when they take on the inaugural league champions this weekend.
