Stuart Ashton: Results are all over the place throughout this league and it is very open

Dylan O'Connell reports from St Colman's Park.

Cobh Ramblers manager Stuart Ashton remains optimistic for his side’s chances of making the play-offs despite their recent drop in form.

On Monday evening the Ramblers suffered their fourth defeat in a row with a 2-1 loss at home to table toppers Bray Wanderers.

Recent results have seen Ashton’s side slip to seventh in the table and three points from UCD who are fifth. Their poor run of form has only been heightened by the re-emergence of Galway United, who have won five games in a row, and leap-frogged the Ramblers into sixth place.

Speaking minutes after the final whistle, Ashton was disappointed but optimistic for the run in: “We gave away two goals from set pieces and that cost us the game. Bray showed that they were a threat from corners early on and we did not deal with it which meant we got punished.”

“I thought we were unlucky not to get something out of the game. But, we did play some good football and we did match them. We knew we had to compete with Bray and at times we were the better side.”

“We can still make the play-offs. That is the mentality we have to have. We just have to rectify the silly mistakes and if we do that we will be challenging.”

“Results are all over the place throughout this league and it is very open. There are seven teams competing for five spots. If we can do what we are capable of doing we can be around the top challenging.”

One of the main positives for Cobh Ramblers on Monday evening were the fans inside the ground.

“It was great to have the fans back. It was great for them too. It was great to have an atmosphere and the players really appreciated that. The little things, like the roar of the crowd, is what we want. Hopefully now we can get more in sooner rather than later.”