Step-up in class is proving tough for Galway WFC

Galway WFC 0

DLR Waves 3

The dawning of any new era brings a sense of achievement, anticipation and trepidation and the recent formation of Galway WFC was a welcome addition to the local sporting calendar and to the Bus Éireann National Women’s League.

A large crowd attended their opening contest at home against Wexford and a 2-2 draw was an acceptable reward. A pattern emerged, as they remained competitive in most of their games, but a recent indifferent spell has seen the side drift in the wrong direction, with four losses in succession

Defeats and performances against the runaway top two of Raheny and Peamount were commendable, but losses last week against Wexford and on this occasion were a little more difficult to take.

On Sunday at Eamonn Deacy Park, they capitulated almost without a defence against a visiting side who always enjoyed a greater edge.

The easiest option here would be to ignore the situation, as the side just never got out of the starting blocks, but this is a national competition and where expectations are a little greater than the local league.

In fairness, manager Nigel Keady has brought together all the best players available in the region and his selection isn’t helped at the moment by the absence of defensive and attacking lynchpins Jenny Byrne and Lucy Hannon.

That aside, the team performance on Sunday lacked all the qualities of a side trying to create an impression. After recent defeats, confidence might not be high, but surely, there should be expectations against the likes of DLR Waves who are only a year older in formation terms.

From the off, the side just seemed rudderless with a lack of cohesion and teamwork. Passing was sloppy – with a kick-it attitude apparent and no one appeared to want to get on the ball, give direction and play it about. Sure, there were individual errors, but it was the overall performance that left a bad memory.

To balance this – it should be pointed out that the majority of girls were performing for the likes of Colga, Salthill Devon, Corrib Rangers and Bealnamulla in local league action just a few months ago and the step up to this level will just take some time. Hopefully matters will get better in upcoming away games against Cork Ladies and Castlebar Celtic over the next 10 days.