WNL leaders, Peamount served a three-point deduction

WOMEN’S National League leaders, Peamount United have been served a three-point deduction by the FAI for the fielding of an ineligible player in their opening match of the season.

It is believed the player in question had not received the necessary international transfer clearance before she was fielded in the team’s opening match of the season in which they beat Sligo Rovers 6-0 on March 5.

Once Peamount Ladies secretary, Elaine Harrington had been made aware of the possible administrative oversight, the club immediately made contact with the FAI to highlight the situation.

And to avoid any further complications, Peamount manager, James O’Callaghan opted to leave the player out of his squad for the following games against Galway and Treaty United.

While the green light was eventually given for the player to be re-registered for the team with the required international clearance last week, the FAI duly informed the club that they would be stripped of the three points and six goals they earned on the opening day of the season, with a 3-0 win instead awarded to National League newcomers, Sligo.

The deduction, which will see Peamount drop back to 12 points, is a disappointing set-back for the three-time National League champions.

Still Peamount manager, O’Callaghan will be hoping his side team can rise to the challenge, having already made a blistering start to their new campaign with five wins from five (minus that against Sligo), scoring 22 goals and shipping just three.

Only last night, the team made a serious statement of intent by way of their 4-0 demolition of Wexford Youths, Sadhbh Doyle, Stephanie Roche, Erin McLaughlin and Aine O’Gorman all on target in that outing.