League Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- Galway FC

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh Ramblers welcomes Galway FC to St. Colman’s Park this Friday night in the Airtricity League First Division. Kick off 7.45pm.

The Rams have now gone ten games without a win and sit rock bottom of the league, eleven points adrift of Finn Harps. 

Last weekend Martin Cambridge’s side battled hard at the City Calling Stadium but Longford Town ran out 2-0 winners. While Ramblers may be bottom of the league the players are putting in plenty of effort, however, the quality just isn’t there at the moment.

The concession of 23 goals in just ten games and the cold fact that Cobh have only mustered four goals in the same amount of games, are statistics that would give any manager sleepless nights.

Four of those goals were conceded when the sides met at Eamon Deacy Park in April as Galway ran out 4-0 winners.

The Rams are going to win at some stage but, despite Galway FC’s hectic schedule, the Tribesmen view the league with more importance than either cup, thus Friday’s visitors should come out on top.

GALWAY FC

Last week’s 1-1 draw at home to Finn Harps was a disappointing result for the Tribesmen and a missed opportunity to steal ground on league leaders Shelbourne, who also drew. 

Early on in the encounter, Harps’ Caoimhin Bonner was shown a red card for a rash challenge and it appeared the home side would have an easy day at the office thereafter. However, Tommy Dunne’s side let themselves down with poor passing, over hit crosses and a general disconnect, especially in the final third. No wonder Dunne kept his players in the dressing room for longer than usual after the final whistle.

Friday’s game is the first of three crucial ties in the space of a week for Galway FC. On Tuesday, Galway travel to Ferrycarrig Park to take on Wexford Youths in the EA Sports and the Tribesmen will wrap up a hectic week with a crucial league encounter against Shelbourne at Tolka Park next Friday.

Dunne says getting all three points from Friday’s game against Cobh is the first hurdle.

"If we can pick up maximum points and get into a semi-final, that has to be our goal. We're concentrating on tomorrow night, we're going to travel to Cobh and be competitive from the start, that's what we'll try to do."

Referee: Kevin O’Regan

MATCH STATS

Cobh Ramblers are still without a win this season.

Galway FC are unbeaten in six games.

Galway FC visits St. Colmans Park for first time this season.

BETTING

Cobh Ramblers 5/1; Draw 11/4; Galway FC 1/2.

PREDICTION

Cobh Ramblers 0-1 Galway FC

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Galway FC

Injured: Alan Murphy (ankle) Ross Kenny (knee), Jason Molloy (shoulder)
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Stephen Walsh