League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Cobh Ramblers

SHELBOURNE

New Shelbourne manager Owen Heary will look to end a five match losing streak in all competitions for the Reds as they welcome an in-form Cobh Ramblers to Tolka Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.15pm).

 

Heary played for Shelbourne for eight years between 1998 and 2006 and won five league titles and one FAI Cup with the Reds in what was a golden period for the Tolka Park outfit. The former captain takes over from his former team mate Kevin Doherty who resigned last week.


Since beating Cabinteely 4-0 in early May, Shels have lost four league games (Drogheda United, Limerick, UCD and Waterford United) which has seen them drop to 6th in the SSE Airtricity First Division. The club were also knocked out of the FAI Cup after a 2-0 loss to Dundalk.

 

The good news for Heary is he will have a full squad to select from with the club reporting no injury concerns.

 

COBH RAMBLERS

Since losing to UCD at the start of May, Stephen Henderson’s charges have gone on quite a run. Cobh have registered three league wins (Waterford United, Cabinteely, Athlone Town) in a row, scoring eight and conceding none, whilst they also recorded a 2-1 win over Cherry Orchard in the FAI Cup.



 

This run has seen the Cork side move to 4th in the league table, only a point off 2nd placed Drogheda United. A win on Friday, with other results going Cobh’s way could see them move to the top of the pack chasing runaway leaders Limerick.

 

Henderson will have to plan without Jason Abbott and Rob Lehane for the game. Abbott misses out due to a shoulder injury whilst a foot injury rules Lehane out. Recent signing Garry Comerford, joining Cobh from Avondale United, will be available for selection.

 

Referee: Adriano Reale



 

MATCH STATS

History shows that in 24 league encounters between the two sides there has only ever been one nil all draw meaning that this game is sure to guarantee goals.

 

In their previous 14 meetings in First Division football, the results have been evenly poised with both Shelbourne and Cobh having four wins a piece while sharing six draws between them.

 

Owen Heary made 238 appearances for Shelbourne as a player, scoring 13 goals.  He also captained Shels rivals Bohemians to successive league titles in 2008 and 2009.

 

BETTING

Shelbourne 10/11; Draw 23/10; Away 13/5.

 

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 2 – 2 Cobh Ramblers 

 

Shelbourne

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Jason Abbott (shoulder), Rob Lehane (foot)

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

    About Gareth Penrose

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