League Report: Cobh Ramblers 4 - 0 Wexford

Cobh Ramblers grabbed their second league win of 2020 on Tuesday night in a 4-0 demolition of Wexford FC at St. Coleman’s Park.

Two goals from Lee Devitt followed up with a tap in from Cork City loanee Darragh Crowley and an own goal gave play-off chasing Cobh the three points.

Wexford went to East Cork looking for their first win at St. Coleman’s Park in five years. That evening in July 2015, a combined effort from Paul Cahillane, Danny Furlong, and Conor Whittle gave the club a 3-0 win.

Goalkeeper Sean Barron made his competitive debut for the Ramblers after signing from Munster Senior League club Avondale United last month.

The talented shot-stopper, who played an important part in Avondale’s 2019 FAI Intermediate Cup success, made his return to the League of Ireland football after previously featuring for Cork City and Waterford’s academy sides.

The home side, who have lost just once at home in 2020, where electric in the first half. From the first minute of the game, Cobh bombarded Wexford with attack after attack, led by the pace of Cameron Harlson and Crowley. The precision of David Hurley through his set pieces was also pivotal to the Ramblers flawless attack.

Not even 15 minutes were played and an in swinging corner from Hurley caused havoc in the penalty area.

The ball ping-ponged around, eventually finding the head of Crowley who hit the crossbar. The ball re-bounded and Martin Coughlan volleyed wide.

Hurley eventually forced the opener as he sent in a low cross, from a free kick by Darryl Walsh, to be turned in by a pink jersey in a chaotic penalty area.  

The opening goal woke up Wexford, who had their first shot on target seconds from the restart. A lively and quick footed Jack Doherty pierced the Cobh back four to play Ola Adeyemo in on goal. Barron was excellent in spreading himself as he blocked the shot. 

Cobh hit back in the form of a second goal. Hurley was involved once again as he had a corner turned towards goal by Ben O’Riordan. Tom Murphy could only palm it away for Crowley who tapped the ball home to make it 2-0.

The third goal game courtesy of a spinning interception from a Hurley shot. Lee Devitt took the ball,  ran at Murphy in goal, and fired low into the back of the net.

The story of the second half belongs to Ramblers keeper Barron. Just twelve months previously he was making his name known across Cork and Ireland with his performances in Avondale’s FAI Intermediate Cup and Beamish Stout Senior Cup success.

 Anyone who would have doubted his abilities over stepping up from the Munster Senior League to the League of Ireland would have been silenced by his second have performance.

The moment where this all came together came midway through the half when he pounced onto a shot from Jack Doherty, and with his hand Barron clawed the ball to safety at virtually the last second.

Barron’s second half display was nothing without the work of the Ramblers back four. O’Riordan deserves particular praise for clearing a shot from Dan Tobin off of the line.

At the other end of the park Cobh were also thriving. Devitt did very well to lay it off for Harlson but the ball fumbled at his feet and he unselfishly set up Conor Drinan.

The forward struck the ball with venom towards goal and Murphy gathered well. Their fourth goal of the night came from a fine volley by Devitt following an excellent low cross from John Kavanagh.

Cobh Ramblers: Sean Barron, John Kavanagh, Ben O’Riordan, Charlie Lyons, Dave Hurley, Cameron Harlson (Ian Turner 78’), Lee Devitt, Conor Drinan (Cian Leonard 85’), Darryl Walsh, Darragh Crowley (Stephen O’Leary 85’), Martin Coughlan.

Subs not used: Paul Hunt, Naythan Coleman, Bryan Murphy, Mikey Foley.

Booked: None.

Sent-Off: None.

Wexford FC: Tom Murphy, Dan Tobin, Jay Nwanze, James Carroll, Conor Crowley, Jack Larkin (Craig Giles 66’), Jack Doherty, Karl Manahan, Ola Adeyemo, Jay Amour (Karl Fitzsimons 45’), Kaleem Simon.

Subs not used: Jack Lydon, Charlie Smith, Patrick O’Sullivan, Kristian Crawford, Kevin McEvoy.

Bookings: Jack Doherty (23).

Attendance: 0.

Referee: Mark Moynihan

Extratime Player of the Match: Lee Devitt (Cobh Ramblers).