MSC Report: College Corinthians 0 - 0 Cobh Ramblers (AET - Cobh win 3-1 on penalties)

In what was their first outing of the year, Cobh Ramblers qualified for the semi-finals of the Munster Senior Cup, following what was a thoroughly competitive clash with College Corinthians in Castletreasure on Sunday afternoon.

They needed penalties to progress in the end, but Ramblers will be more than pleased with the contest they were faced with, from what was a spirited and hardworking Corinthians side.

Stephen Henderson handed debuts to a number of players who they have recruited in the off season, including midfielder Evan Galvin, who has signed from Waterford United and looks a brilliant player with the ball at his feet. He showed glimpses of the great skill and touch which he possesses and Cobh supporters should have plenty to look forward to from him over the coming months. While the likes of Ian Mylod, who was previously with UCC, also put in a good display. Overall, they seemed to have recruited well in the right areas, as they look to make a big impression in the season ahead.

Rob Lehane, who was with Cork City last season, was a constant danger up front. He could have a big season at Ramblers and his goal scoring could have a big factor on where Ramblers finish up in the League of Ireland First Division.  

From the early stages in this one, it was plainly clear right away that Ramblers are a side who want to play a brand of positive, attacking football for the campaign ahead. Their attacking players linked up well and moved the ball around with pace. They had to be patient though, because they were faced with a Corinthians defence, who were very well organized and committed throughout. Credit in particular must go to Richie Cronin at full back, who was excellent for his side. They seemed like they wanted to build from the defence forward and they looked a threat on the counter, with Kieran Kenneally driving a shot just wide after 10 minutes.

As the first half progressed, Cobh   had the better of the possession stakes and looked innovative. In the 39th minute, they had a decent chance to take the lead, when Eoin McGreevy set up Galvin and he saw his shot well saved by Mark Power in the Corinthians goal. The home side’s keeper had an impressive game and he was called into action again early in the 2nd half, when David Curran got a shot away on the right hand side of the penalty area.

The Ramblers midfield display is something which is sure to please boss Henderson as Galvin and McGreevy combined well and were doing their best to open up Corinthians.

As the second half moved on, Corinthians were growing in belief that they could snatch a late winner. David Welch and Dean Swords were introduced with that intention in mind.

As full time concluded and extra time commenced, Swords was a live wire and made an immediate impact on proceeding and he looks like a player with a bright future. In fact, he could have won it for his side in extra time, when he went on one of his trademark runs. Unfortunately for him, his shot was saved by Paul Hunt in the Ramblers goal.

Shane O’Connor was introduced for Cobh and he made his presence felt right away, as they looked to find a dramatic late winner. That elusive goal failed to materialize for either side, and with that the game headed to penalties.

It was Ramblers who were the more accurate side in the shootout and that was to prove vital in the end. While Hunt stepped up to the plate with a shootout save, Abbott, Lehane and McCarthy all successfully converted their spot kicks, to send Cobh through to the last four of the competition.

They will face Limerick FC in the semi-final, with that game due to take place on or before the 27th/28th of February.

College Corinthians: Mark Power; Richie Cronin, Ricky O’Sullivan, Sebastien Stihler , Alex O’Brian;  Canice Caffrey, Jack French, Ron Stanton, Kevin Madden( Dean Swords, 75) ;  Aidan O’Mahony(David Welch, 75) , Kieran Kenneally( Simon Hedderman, 93).

Sub not used: Rory Cotter.
 

Cobh Ramblers: Paul Hunt; Graham McCarthy, James Furlong, Cian Kingston, Anthony O’Donnell (Adam O'Sullivan, HT); Jason Abbott, Ian Mylod; Eoin McGreevy (Shane O'Connor, 75), Evan Galvin, Stephen Griffin (David Curran, HT) ; Rob Lehane.
Sub not used: Kevin Mulcahy.

Referee: Anthony Buttimer.

Attendance: 100 (estimated).

Extratime.ie Man Of The Match: Evan Galvin (Cobh Ramblers).