Galway United Women face their sternest test so far this season as they travel to take on Peamount United this Saturday.
Phil Trill’s side enter the tie as one of only two teams to collect maximum points from their opening two games.
There was an early scare away to Bohemians last weekend. United coughed up a cheap early goal after Kate Thompson was loose in possession. Nicole Nix will also have been disappointed that Hannah Healy’s shot dribbled past her into the far corner.
After the setback, United were dominant. They were back on terms in no time.
Aislinn Meaney continued her eye-catching start to the season. She scampered down the right and fizzed in a delightful ball that Ceola Bergin, coming off the other flank, thundered home.
After United failed to convert their superiority in the first, Meaney again turned provider after the turnaround. From the right, she picked out Thompson who majestically soared through the air and volleyed magnificently to the top corner for an early goal of the season contender.
Nix made a good save to protect the lead before Isabella Beletic made sure of the points when she reacted fastest in a goalmouth scramble.
Perhaps most noteworthy was the power that United could introduce from the bench in the second half. Rola Olusola, Niamh Farrelly, Rachel Kearns, Shauna Fox and Jodie Griffin all came on.
It is as strong a cast of characters that can be called on across the entire league. If any of them earn a starting berth on Saturday, it will still mean there is quality in reserve.
It might be needed against Peamount. Despite losing to Wexford last week, they represent a step up in calibre of opposition. There is quality dotted around the side, starting in goal where Amanda Budden has returned from Shamrock Rovers. Karen Duggan, Chloe Mooney and Lauryn O’ Callaghan are all veterans of the previous successes of the club.
There is a nice blend of youth too with Mary Phillips, Jessica Fitzgerald and Ellen Dolan all starting and all eligible for the Peas Under-19s. Abby Tuthill is also a notable addition from Wexford.
United have the opportunity for a statement win on Saturday. After winning in Dalymount, Greenogue is the only venue where United are yet to taste victory. It is very early in the season, but if they are to continue to evolve, this is a fixture they will have to target.
It promises to be intriguing.
