Mid Season Report Card - Cobh Ramblers

Club: Cobh Ramblers.

Manager: Stephen Henderson.

Stadium: St. Colman’s Park.

Highest attendance this season: 497 vs. Drogheda United, (March 12th 2016).

Highest league goalscorer: Shane O’Connor (five goals).

Mid season position: 4th.

 

Ramblers finished sixth in 2015, conceding 45 goals in the process. In pre-season, a tide of optimism had clearly entered Cork harbour as it was felt a promising year could be in store for the Rams. Hopes were high that an improved defensive performance would see Cobh challenge for promotion. Some significant signings were made – including the likes of Rob Lehane, Paul Hunt and the Galvin twins, Evan and Cory.

 

Cobh started the season well with three away victories in their first five games on the road. The claret and blue were second for a time, but two consecutive defeats against promotion rivals Drogheda United and runaway leaders Limerick FC followed by a reverse at the Belfield Bowl versus UCD have dented play-off hopes somewhat. A serious injury to ex-Cork City striker Rob Lehane is another blow.

 

A battling performance at Tolka Park on the opening night of the season earned a gritty 1-0 win and three points against Shelbourne. Evan Galvin hit the winner and his later missed penalty didn’t matter as Stephen Henderson celebrated an inspirational victory.  Honourable mention to the Munster Senior Cup Final against Rockmount. Cobh lifted the famous old trophy for the first time in 30 years as goals from Jonathan Creamer and Andy O’Connell secured a 2-1 win.

 

Cobh’s skipper has been at the centre of most of their good play this term. Constant probing from midfield has led to a number of assists as well as his leading goal tally. The former Liverpool Academy graduate has impressed with his long range shooting and penalty kick conversions.

  

The 18-year-old marauding right full-back has contributed well to an improved defensive performance as well as delivering some penetrating crosses at the other end.

 

The experience and much travelled Swede Markus Gustavsson joined from local side Castleview pre-season. Often ploughing a lone furrow up front, Gustavsson has retained possession well, brought others into play and fired four league goals after finding the net on his competitive debut against Limerick in the Munster Senior Cup.

 

Opportunities will probably be restricted but ideally Cobh will be looking for some right sided midfield cover in addition to some added finishing power up front. Cobh have picked-up many transfers from Cork City FC in the past but with their near neighbours riding high in the Premier Division, their squad probably will not be trimmed in the summer.

 

All conquering Limerick are out of sight so a runners-up place is the best that Cobh can hope for.  If O’Connor can keep banging them in and if the great-hearted Gustavsson can add a few more, Cobh should remain in contention. The Athlone Town situation remains unresolved at the time of writing. Realistically, third place and a play-off spot will be the target for Cobh Ramblers, while they will also hope to make further progress in the FAI Cup after defeating Cherry Orchard in their opening outing.