Cobh Ramblers -v- Mervue United

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh Ramblers host high-flying Mervue United this Saturday at St. Coleman’s Park. Kick-off 7.30pm.

Cobh’s season has been a rollercoaster ride since day one and a squad swiftly assembled in January has seen many a crazy night at St. Coleman’s Park this season. One of the star finds of the squad was striker Conor Meade whose recent move to Waterford United could see the Dave Hill’s squad finish bottom of the league.

Trying to quantify Cobh’s season can be tough, but goals springs to mind. For example, a fortnight ago the Cork side was 3-1 down at home to Longford with only 12 minutes left and looked doomed.

The home side duly scored three goals to claim an unlikely victory, but, crucially, lost on the road to basement boys Salthill Devon last weekend.

That 1-0 defeat to Devon has left Cobh only three points above the bottom placed side and, with two away ties coming down the road, Saturday’s hosts need the league’s present in-form team knocking on their door looking for a win like a hole in the head.

MERVUE UNITED

What a result last week for the Galway side who beat league leaders Longford Town on their home patch by three goals to one. Not only did they come from a goal behind but they have become only the second team to win at City Calling Stadium this season.                 

A defeat, even a draw in Longford, would have surely ended their chances of a promotion play-off spot. Now Johnny Glynn’s side find themselves third on the table, only four points off Longford and new leaders Athlone Town. Now, anything is possible.

The emergence of striker Gary Shanahan at this stage of the season has been crucial to the cause. The flame-haired forward has notched four goals in as many games and the former Dundalk player will be full of confidence heading into Saturday evening.

Glynn will be without midfielders Gary Curran (calf) and Gary Kelly (groin), while Michael McSweeney is very doubtful having missed the last two games with a knee injury. Striker Michael Duffy returns to the squad having missed last weekend’s win in Longford with a muscle injury.

The last time Mervue travelled to Cobh the craziest game imaginable occurred and, this time, Glynn wants to claim the full three points and hopefully see none of his two first-choice goalkeepers see red.

“We will be looking to build on our wins over Finn Harps and Longford in our last two games and keep the pressure on the top two. Our last visit to Cobh was not a memorable one as it was a crazy 5-3 game and we had three sent off, so we will be hoping for a much better result this time but can expect a very difficult game as their home form has been very good this season.”

Referee: Simon Rogers,

MATCH STATS

Cobh has the worst defensive record in the league with 35 goals against. Almost half of that tally has been conceded at home.

Mervue’s recent win over Longford is only their second win on the road this season.

BETTING

Cobh Ramblers 9/4; Draw 9/4; Mervue United 21/20.

PREDICTION

Cobh Ramblers 1-2 Mervue United

Cobh Ramblers

Injured:
Doubtful:
Suspended:

Mervue United

Injured: Gary Curran (calf) and Gary Kelly (groin).
Doubtful: Michael McSweeney
Suspended: None.