League Preview: Waterford United -v- Cobh Ramblers

WATERFORD UNITED

It’s Munster Derby time again in the SSE Airtricity League First Division as Waterford United host Cobh Ramblers at the RSC on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

From Waterford’s perspective,  nothing other than a victory will do if they want to keep their slim chances of reaching the play-offs alive. They have a number of home league games coming up over the coming weeks, but even if they win all of those it is still is a tough order, because they would be reliant on teams who are near the top of the table to slip up.

At the very least, the players need to show a bit of pride and passion in wearing  the Waterford United jersey, that is what manager Roddy Collins was demanding when he spoke to local media ahead of the game. Collins knows that United are a big club historically in the League Of Ireland and he is determined to be the one who gets them on the right path again.

“Anyone that wants to roll up their sleeves and fight for the club no matter what the circumstances are can turn up training on Thursday. We have 30 points to fight for.

“We have to fight for them to give themselves a chance to maybe be seen by another club or for a chance for me to re-sign them for next season.

“That’s how it is and that’s what the meeting was about tonight. I’m here at the club for the remainder of the season and for next season and I’m determined to get this brilliant club back to where it belongs.”

Waterford are without the suspended  James O’Brien for Friday’s game, while Dean Reidy and Shane Mackey have left the club.

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh Ramblers will be looking to keep up the pressure on third placed UCD when they make the away trip to Waterford.

Stephen Henderson’s side have had a great season, with the Ramblers boss getting a lot out of a young, talented group of players.

They are four points behind UCD and the final play-off place for Premier Division promotion and if they can keep up their form generally so far this season over the remainder of the campaign, Ramblers will at the very least be in contention.  

Following the Waterford game, Cobh are away again in Stradbrook to face Cabinteely on August 5^th, before their next home game against Athlone Town, which is on Saturday, August 13^th.

Last time out, Ramblers put it up to one of the favourites for promotion and picked up a credible draw with UCD,  when new signing, on loan Connor Ellis from Cork City scored on his debut. 

He has signed for the remainder of the season along with teammate Craig Donnellan, with both players showing plenty of promise during their time with City and they should benefit from the prospect of getting more first team football with Cobh.

“It’s not easy to get lads to come and play for Cobh Ramblers, but if they are of the right quality and standard for us then we can guarantee them first team football,” said Henderson.

Other than long term absentee Jason Abbott, Cobh have a full squad to choose from for this one, with the aforementioned Donnellan now available for selection.

Under-17 player James McSweeney also comes into the squad for Friday’s game.

Referee: Simon Rogers.

MATCH STATS

Cobh won the last meeting between the sides at St Colman’s Park in May, when goals from Markus Gustavsson, Eoin McCreevy, Ian Mylod and Jonathan Creamer secured a 4-0 win.

Cobh’s away record is mixed and they could be even closer to the top of the table, if it wasn’t for the fact that 5 of their 7 league defeats have come on the road.

Waterford’s home record this season is perhaps something they would like to improve before the season’s end. So far they have only won 3 our of their 8 home league games.

BETTING

Waterford United  13/8; Draw 12/5; Cobh Ramblers 7/5.

PREDICTION

Waterford United 1-2 Cobh Ramblers

Waterford United:

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: James O’Brien.

Cobh Ramblers:

Injured: Jason Abbott (shoulder).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.