League Preview: Waterford United -v- Cobh Ramblers

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United manager Roddy Collins will be hoping his side can continue their fine run of form, which has seen the Blues win their last three matches in a row, this weekend against Cobh.

Victories against UCD, Cabinteely and Rockmount have lifted the spirits on and off the pitch at the success-starved RSC and Collins attributed those victories to the hard work and dedication of his entire squad.

"We have a group of players at the moment that are working really hard to get this club back to where it should be. In training every night and in games that we've played, they've worked hard. It's now about our whole squad and that was to the fore against Rockmount on Monday last.”

The Dubliner is aware of the challenges he and his side face in their search for success and  is confident his side will stay on the ball despite feeling that some people are keen to see his ‘project’ at the RSC fail.

"There's a lot of people wanting me and the club to fail here in Waterford. They are not given us a chance with anything but we'll fight them and we'll continue to keep our heads down. We have a bunch of players that want to play for this club and a group of supporters that want to support us.”

Anthony McAlavey is a doubt for the Blues with a hip injury whilst Johann Fellrath and Roddy Collins Jr both remain doubtful as they both await registration clearance.  Aaron O’Connor is ruled out having undergone an operation to treat appendicitis.

COBH RAMBLERS

Three defeats in a row have halted an impressive start to Cobh’s season.

Alarmingly, the ‘Rams’ have shipped a total of 12 goals in their two recent league and cup matches against a rampant Limerick FC and last week’s First Division defeat to UCD. The defensive frailties of the Cork side will be a major concern to manager Stephen Henderson as they prepare to face Waterford United who have found their touch in front of goal.

Former Blues Evan and Cory Galvin may featured at the RSC on an opposing team for the first time following their switch at the start of the season and they are more than capable of providing the magic that could get the St Colman’s Park side back on track and move them away from the bottom of the wrong end of the table.

Ramblers were undefeated at the RSC last season, so they can take belief and encouragement from their form against Waterford United but they will be under no illusion that if they do not get it right this Friday they will be punished.

Referee: Robert Hennessy

MATCH STATS

Last season, Darren Murphy, currently of the Blues, scored a winner for Cobh against Waterford United whilst Cory Galvin of Cobh also scored a winner against his current side when he played for their rivals.

Cobh have won in just one of their last 13 visits to the RSC.

The last game between these sides ended in a 1-1 draw at the RSC.

BETTING

Waterford United 6/5; Draw 9/4; Cobh Ramblers 2/1.

PREDICTION

Waterford United 2-1 Cobh Ramblers.

Waterford United

Injured: Aaron O’Connor.

Doubtful:  Anthony McAlavey, Roddy Collins Jnr and Yoann Fellraht.

Suspended: None.

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.