LWM Prem: Matchday 3 Preview

Armagh and Banbridge get this weekend’s Legacy Wealth Management Premier League action underway when they go head-to-head this evening.

Both teams have got their seasons off to a solid start with three points from their opening two league games and sit neck and neck in the division.

Last week, Banbridge ended their long wait for a win when they beat Omagh 3-0 with goals from Steph Ardis (2) and Paula Atkinson.

Meanwhile, Armagh also got their first win of the season last week, bouncing back from an opening day defeat against Mossley with a 1-0 win over Larne.

A win for either side this weekend could see them climb as high as second in the division.

In tomorrow’s action, Mossley are hoping to continue their unbeaten start when they travel to Lisnagarvey.

Davy Menaul’s side have made a strong start to the season, winning both their opening games of the season against Armagh and Ballymoney.

Forward Lucy Campbell has also begun the season in blistering form, netting four goals already this campaign, including a hat-trick in last week’s 5-1 win over Ballymoney.

However, Lisnagarvey also have an in-form forward, with Beth Ravey netting in both her sides opening two games.

Ryan McMaster’s side are currently sixth in the division, having won one and lost one of their opening games.

Elsewhere, Belfast Harlequins travel to Lurgan knowing a win could send them top of the league.

The visitors were denied back-to-back wins to start the season last weekend when a late Ards goal saw the side drop two points at Deramore Park after a Claire Whiteside strike had given the lead.

The draw sees the side in third place with four points from their opening two games, three points behind leaders Ards.

They now face a Lurgan side who bounced back from an opening day defeat with a convincing win over Lisnagarvey last weekend, with goals from Lydia McNeill, Lauren Wright, Steph Thompson and Sarah Sargent.

The final game of the weekend sees Ballymoney host Larne, with both sides looking to bounce back from defeats last weekend.

Firstly, Ballymoney were dealt a heavy defeat against Mossley as they lost 5-1 at The Glade, whilst Larne suffered a narrow 1-0 loss against Armagh.

Coming into the weekend, the hosts find themselves ninth in the division as one of only two sides yet to pick up a point in the league this season.

Meanwhile, a win for Larne could see the newly promoted side end the weekend as high as second in the division should other results go their way.

Midweek, Ards secured a 2-0 win over Omagh with goals from Ali Carson and Pippa Best.

Carson opened the scoring with just six minutes on the clock to give her side an early lead, whilst five minutes from the end of time, Pippa Best rounded off a clinical Ards counter-attack to seal the win.

 

PHOTO: Front Row Union