League Preview: UCD -v- Cobh Ramblers

UCD

The Students welcome Cobh Ramblers to the UCD Bowl on Friday evening (Kick-off 7.45pm), aiming to end a run of four league games without a victory.

Collie O’Neill’s side last week slumped to their fourth league defeat of the season when they were beaten 3-1 by Waterford United at the RSC.

“I was disappointed with our performance last week” O’Neil told UCDsoccer.com “We can’t linger over it too long as we have a chance to put things right on Friday.

“It’s important that we look to get back to the way we know we can play and all I’m looking for is a good performance, nothing more, nothing less but if we can do that then I think the result will take care of itself.”

Despite a 2-0 victory when the sides met earlier in the season, thanks to a brace from Georgie Kelly, O’Neill believes Friday’s game will be another tough encounter. If his side is to remain in the contention for promotion they must begin to collect better results.

“It’s going to be difficult for us against a strong Cobh Ramblers side who are pushing for promotion themselves. We found it difficult to break them down in Cobh earlier in the season and I am expecting a similar type of game again tonight.

“Our goal, just like Cobh’s, is to play premier division football. If we really want it, then no one is going to hand it to us on a silver platter. We’ll have to roll-up our sleeves and work hard for it.”

In planning for Friday evening's encounter, the UCD boss must do so without the services of Ryan Swan, Daire O’Connor, Samir Belhout, Brian Shortall, Cathal Brady with the quinet missing the game through injury while Mark Langtry misses out through illness. Niall Corbet is absent due to college commitments.

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh Ramblers enter Friday’s game on the back of two consecutive defeats against promotion rivals Drogheda United and runaway leaders Limerick FC.

Stephen Henderson’s side, like UCD, know Friday’s encounter is a must win game as defeat could see them slip below the Students to fifth place while a victory against UCD and a Shelbourne defeat away to Drogheda United would see the Rams climb into the play off places.

During the opening ten games of the First Division season, Cobh have recorded victories on four occasions. Three of those wins have come on the road.

The visitors have been successful in both of their trips to the capital this season as they defeated Shelbourne on the opening night and Cabinteely in April.

Referee: Michael O'Connor.

MATCH STATS

UCD have beaten Cobh in three of the side’s last five meetings, with remaining two fixtures finishing in 1-1 draws. In all those games UCD have scored first, while in their three victories, they have kept a clean sheet on each occasion.

In their opening ten games, both sides have conceded 17 goals. UCD have conceded nine goals at home in five games, while Cobh have conceded nine goals from their five away games. 

UCD defender Maxi Kouogun is the Students’ top scorer in the league with four goals while Shane O’Connor is the Rams top scorer with three goals.

BETTING

UCD 5/6; Draw 12/5; Cobh Ramblers 11/4.

PREDICTION

UCD 1-2 Cobh Ramblers.

UCD AFC

Injured: Ryan Swan (ankle), Daire O’Connor (foot), Samir Belhout (knee), Brian Shortall (hamstring), Cathal Brady (ribs).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Absent: Niall Corbet (exams), Mark Langtry (Illness).

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.