League Preview: Waterford United -v- Cobh Ramblers

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United host an out of sorts Cobh Ramblers in the Airtricity First Division this Friday night at the RSC. Kick-off 7.45pm.

The Blues will be looking to bounce back from last week’s 3-2 home defeat to Longford Town.

Despite the home side coming from behind twice to level the game, Tommy Griffin’s young and inexperienced squad failed to hang on and The Town’s Etanda Nkololo struck with seven minutes remaining to give Longford all three points.

In team news, Peter White is out with an ankle injury while Matthew Connor and striker Conor Meade are doubtful.

Waterford and Cobh played out a scoreless draw at St Colman’s Park back in April and Griffin, speaking to the club’s website, is hoping home support will give the Blues the edge to claim all three points on Friday night.

“With our home support, that have been excellent in their vocal support all season, it would be a great time for us to claim all three points on offer.  We will have worked very hard in training this week in order to turn things around.”

COBH RAMBLERS

To say the Rams’ season is not going well is a vast understatement; winless; worst defensive record; worst offensive record all makes for grim reading. The season is less than fifty percent complete and there seems to be no positives on the horizon for the Cork side.

Last week the suffered their biggest home defeat this season in a 1-5 drubbing at the hands of Galway FC.

Unsurprisingly, Ramblers lie rock bottom of the league on two points and, on their current form, the present gap of twelve points to next placed Shamrock Rovers ‘B’ will continue to grow rather than abate anytime soon.

Defeat to Waterford on Friday night may be curtains for manager Martin Cambridge, as it always seems the person in charge becomes the fall guy. However, Cambridge’s players must take some responsibility.

Right now belief and pride is what Ramblers need if anything is to be salvaged from this season.

Referee: Michael O’Connor

MATCH STATS

Cobh Ramblers have yet to win a game this season.

Waterford United have one win in last five games in all competitions.

The scoreless draw between the sides in April is Cobh’s only clean sheet this season.

BETTING

Waterford United 2/7; Draw10/3; Cobh Ramblers 10/1

PREDICTION

Waterford United 3-1 Cobh Ramblers

Waterford United

Injured: Peter White

Doubtful: Matthew Connor, Conor Meade

Suspended: Vinny Sullivan

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: Martin Deady