LOI Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- Shamrock Rvrs B

COBH RAMBLERS

The two bottom clubs of the SSE Airtricity league First Division will do battle at St. Colman’s Park on Saturday evening as Shamrock Rovers ‘B’ make the long trip to Cork to face hosts Cobh Ramblers. Kick off is 7.45pm.

Cobh’s season is already one to forget and their points accumulation has been somewhat abject. Ramblers have four points from a total of 14 league games played and the concession of goals, in addition to their inability to score them, makes for grim viewing for the Rams faithful.

However, their recent form has seen a vast improvement as Martin Cambridge’s team unexpectedly drew with Longford Town and league leaders Shelbourne, either side of a loss to Derry City in the FAI Cup, in the weeks leading up to the mid-season break.

Cobh must strive to see out the rest of the season in a similar fashion and the Cork team could net their first win of the season at home on Saturday night if they can keep it tight at the back. 

SHAMROCK ROVERS B

Rovers ‘B’, under Colin Hawkins, `had a decent start to life in league of Ireland football, but the Tallaght outfit has since slipped to second-last on the table.

Rovers’ recent form has been very poor. One would need to go back to the start of May for their last win in the league and Longford put six past them a week before the break. Rovers’ players might be young and inexperienced but, really, they are not as bad as that scoreline suggests.

Their record over Cobh has been good and they came away from St Colman’s Park last March with a point in a 1-1 draw and won 3-1 in the return fixture in April.

A win on Saturday evening would be the perfect tonic for Colin Hawkins’ side but his team’s record on the road fails to instill confidence, thus, the Dublin side will probably have to settle for a share of the spoils. 

Referee: Sean Grant

MATCH STATS

Previous results between the sides include a draw and a win for Rovers ‘B’.

Cobh has only scored seven goals so far this season.

Rovers ‘B’ have one away win in seven. 

BETTING

Cobh Ramblers 5/2; Draw 11/5; Shamrock Rovers B evens .

PREDICTION

Cobh Ramblers 1-1 Shamrock Rovers ‘B’

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Unknown
Doubtful: Unknown
Suspended: None

Shamrock Rovers ‘B’

Injured: Unknown
Doubtful: Unknown
Suspended: None