League Report: Cobh Ramblers 0 - 1 Shelbourne

Shelbourne proved too strong for Cobh Ramblers at St. Colman’s Park tonight as James English scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the second half.

The first half was a dull affair with little in the way of chances for either side. The game resembled a game of ping pong at times, such was the end-to-end nature of the game in the middle of the pitch.

While the second half was much better for Shelbourne, who looked the hungrier of the two sides and were deserving of their victory, Ramblers' hopes of promotion are all but finished after the loss tonight.

Ian Mylod had a chance for the home team early on for the home side, while at the other end Adam O’Connor had a chance saved by Paul Hunt.

The second half could only get better for the crowd of about 350 people in attendance. However for the majority of the crowd it would go in the way that they wished it wouldn’t.

Shelbourne took the lead on 63 minutes after a ball over the top found English, who was felled in the box by James McSweeney. Up stepped the striker to send the goalkeeper the wrong way.

From here on Shelbourne upped the tempo and Ramblers could not cope with the speed of Shelbourne’s attack.

Shels manager Owen Heary introduced Chris Lyons to the game on 60 minutes and he had a few chances of note.

Adam Evans, scorer of the equaliser in Shelbourne's first visit to St Colman’s Park this season, had a shot from close range well saved by Hunt on 74 minutes.

Ramblers tried a few long balls in the final minutes but Shelbourne coped well to go fourth in the table while the Rams remain five points behind leaders Waterford.

Cobh Ramblers: Paul Hunt; Charlie Fleming (Shane Lowth 82), James McSweeney, Ben O’Riordan, Chris McCarthy; Cian Coleman Craig Donnellan (Darren Murphy 82), Jason Abbott, Kyle McNamara (Matthew Whelan 67); Ian Mylod, Dean Swords.

Subs not used: Michael Sadys, Stephen Christopher, Anthony O’Donnell.

Booked: Charlie Fleming (21), Jason Abbott (52), James McSweeney (63), Darren Murphy (83).

Shelbourne: Dean Delaney; Adam O’Connor, Alan Byrne, Derek Prendergast, Reece McEnteer; Dylan Kavanagh, Niall Lanigan, Michael Murphy (Mark Hughes 60), Dylan Grimes( Chris Lyons 60); Adam Evans, James English (Aaron Ashe 90).

Subs not used: Jamie Quinn, Dayle Rooney, James Brown, Arran Molloy.

Booked: Dylan Grimes (21), Niall Lanigan (27).

Referee: Damien McGraith

Attendance: 350 (estimate).

Extratime.ie Player of the Match: James English (Shelbourne).