Preview: Wexford Youths vs City (WNL)

Cork City FC Women travel to Wexford Youths on Saturday lifted by a deserved win over Bohemian FC at Turner’s Cross two weeks ago. Having last weekend off limited the chance to build momentum, but Paul Farrell took advantage of the break to prepare for what’s one of the toughest trips in the Women’s National League.

Reflecting on the Bohs win Farrell felt City were the better side, but it took until the second half to show that fully. “It was a good performance, we had a bit of luck in the first half, they hit the post, but I think it’s a bit of luck that’s been missing and which this group of players deserved. We regrouped at half time, we came out of the blocks and dominated a lot of the game, I think we had 67% possession in the second half, we kept the ball well, were patient and they did what we’d asked.”

The opening goal came when Danielle Burke dispossessed Sinead Taylor and showed composure to deliver an excellent pass to Eva Mangan who slipped an even better ball to put Christina Dring clear. Dring stretched to cleverly lay the ball off to Aoife Cronin, who made no mistake. It was a lovely move forward, which pleased Farrell “we’ve always been a possession-based team but getting the ball forward has been something we’ve had to work on this season and it’s coming more and more each week. We look better going forward, the staff are working tirelessly to build our attacking, while closing off what kicks we have in the armour. Once Aoife scored the first goal, I thought we were comfortable”.

Becky Cassin finished coolly after a wonderful run and cross by Natalie O’Brien and it was no more than City deserved. Even with a late Bohs goal, City showed composure to see the game out. “It kind of took the gloss off the performance losing the goal the way we did, and it gave me a bit of a headache over the closing minutes” laughed Farrell “but it really was a good performance”.

Facing into Wexford Youths this weekend is a challenge, but Farrell was happy overall to have had last weekend off. “You like to keep momentum going, but it was a tough pre-season with a heavy fixture list and a tough loss in Shels. I think we needed a break, and it came at a good time, preparation have been good, it’s always good to have two weeks to prepare for any game”.

Third placed Wexford Youths will be hurting after a 4-0 loss away at Peamount United in their last outing and will be looking to bounce right back. “historically we’ve always given them a good game and have gotten over the line a couple of times, but we know we have to be bang on form and bring our A game”.

Natalie O’Brien and Lauren Walsh are both doubtful for Saturday’s game with Laura Shine still out long-term.