League Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- Shelbourne

COBH RAMBLERS

In-form Cobh Ramblers will take on the challenge of mid-table Shelbourne in what promises to be an intriguing First Division encounter at St. Colman’s Park on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

Cobh Ramblers will look to continue their impressive recent form. The Rams made it three wins on the trot in all competitions when they edged out Finn Harps 1-0 in a closely-fought game in Ballybofey last Friday.

In a tense affair at Finn Park a goal in the 21^st minute from striker Cian Leonard decided the outcome.

The Ramblers had previously registered a narrow 1-0 win over Cabinteely at St. Colman’s Park the weekend before with Cian Leonard once again proving to be the match winner with a goal after just five minutes.

"We have hit some good form lately but it's important we keep getting better," Henderson told the club's media team.

"The lads on the pitch are winning matches because they are doing the basic elements of the game really well.

"I thought we were the better team in Tolka earlier this season and should have got something out of the game. They got a fortunate goal that night but that's football.

"Shels will be confident of winning. They are a good side with a good budget so realistically they should be confident.

"However if we play to our potential I would expect us to give them a proper game and with Lenny in great scoring form we just might catch them."

Charlie Fleming, John Dineen, Anthony McAlevey and Kevin Taylor are all absent with injury.

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne make the tough trip to the Rebel County with aspirations of taking all three points back to the capital to satisfy the Drumcondra faithful.

Shels are looking for a win to end their current winless streak as they've failed to come out on top in any of their last four league and cup matches.

Last Friday night was Shelbourne’s third draw in a row in the SSE Airtricity First Division with a 1-1 draw away to Longford Town at City Calling Stadium.

Shels hit the front early in the second half with top scorer David O’Sullivan on target yet again only for Dylan McGlade to spoil the Shels celebrations with the equaliser on the hour.

Shels have hit a sticky patch recently with just one win in their last six competitive outings which was a 1-0 win over Athlone Town in the fourth round of the Leinster Senior Cup.

Since then they have drawn with UCD, Finn Harps and Longford Town in the league and were unceremoniously dumped out of the EA Sports Cup 7-3 by Derry City at the Brandywell.

Apart from the heavy Derry City defeat Shelbourne have been pretty mean defensively having only conceded three goals and kept two clean sheets in six games, but have only scored seven times.

Shelbourne boss Owen Heary has a full fit squad from which to select from and has no suspensions for this week.

Referee: TBC

MATCH FACTS

Cobh Ramblers and Shelbourne have met once already this season the SSE Airtricity First Division with Shels taking all three points thanks to a 1-0 win at Tolka Park in March.

In the four league encounter last season, Ramblers won twice at Tolka Park, with Shels winning once at St Colman’s Park and the other game finishing in a 1-1 draw in Cobh.

Cobh Ramblers and Shelbourne have met 24 times in the league since 1994 with nothing to separate the sides with both having seven wins each and there have been 10 draws.

Cobh Ramblers scored 21 goals averaging 0.88 per game while Shelbourne scored 27 goals, averaging 1.13 per game.

BETTING

Cobh Ramblers 12/5 Draw 11/5 Shelbourne evens.

PREDICTION

Cobh Ramblers 1-2 Shelbourne

Cobh Ramblers

Injuries: Charlie Fleming, John Dineen, Anthony McAlevey, Kevin Taylor.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspensions: None.

Shelbourne

Injuries: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspensions: None.