League Report: Treaty United 1 - 0 Cobh Ramblers

Michael Cooke reports from the Markets Field

Cobh Ramblers’ winless run has extended to four matches after Shane Keegan’s men lost 1-0 to Treaty United at the Markets Field.

Enda Curran’s second-half strike proved decisive as Tommy Barrett’s men got back to winning ways having suffered a surprise defeat to Athlone Town in their last league game.

The first half hour was completely devoid of goalmouth action. Both sides enjoyed spells of possession but neither managed to create a meaningful chance.

Treaty almost opened the scoring on 31 minutes; Willie Armshaw tried his luck from 25 yards out, but his powerful shot was the wrong side of the post.

The woodwork prevented Treaty from falling behind on 43 minutes. James O’Leary’s corner was headed into the path of Sean McGrath by Harlain Mbayo but McGrath’s first-time effort hit the crossbar.

60 seconds later, another chance fell Treaty’s way. Enda Curran latched onto Armshaw’s perfectly weighted cross but his diving header was the wrong side of the post.

The deadlock was broken on 58 minutes. Curran connected with Ben O’Riordan’s right-wing cross and his first-time finish found the net for his 11th league goal of the season.

22 minutes later, Treaty could’ve doubled their advantage; Dean George connected with Marc Ludden’s free-kick, but he couldn’t direct his header on target.

Cobh were down to 10 men eight minutes from time; Mbayo was shown a second yellow card after he was harshly adjudged to have fouled Success Edogun.

The game petered out thereafter as Treaty prevailed by the narrowest of margins. The hosts are now six points clear of sixth-placed Wexford in the SSE Airtricity First Division table.

Treaty United: Jack Brady; Ben O'Riordan Sean Guerins, Callum McNamara, Marc Ludden; Mark Walsh; William Armshaw (Conor Melody 77), Stephen Christopher, Lee Devitt Molloy, Dean George (Joe Collins 84); Enda Curran (Success Edogun 74).

Subs not used: Conor Winn, Martin Coughlan, Matt Keane, Joel Coustrain, Colin Conroy, Darren Collins.

Sent off: None.

Cobh Ramblers: Paul Hunt; Charlie Fleming (Liam Kervick 69), Brendan Frahill, Harlain Mbayo, Darragh O'Sullivan-Connell; Jason Abbott (Dale Holland 46), Pierce Phillips;), Sean McGrath, James O'Leary, Conor Drinan (Luke Desmond 69); Jake Hegarty.

Subs not used: Darragh Burke, Justin Eguaibor, Michael McCarthy, James McCarthy, Danny O'Connell, Beineon O'Brien Whitmarsh.

Sent off: Harlain Mbayo (82) (2 yellow cards)