League Preview: Waterford -v- Cobh Ramblers

Wateford's management team of Keith Long (right) and Alan Reynolds take evasive action during their team's win in Cobh

Wateford's management team of Keith Long (right) and Alan Reynolds take evasive action during their team's win in Cobh Credit: Liam Coughlan (ETPhotos)

WATERFORD

Keith Long’s Waterford will be looking to get back to winning ways when they welcome Munster rivals Cobh Ramblers to the RSC (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Blues lost their last two games against Wexford and Galway United – with the latter being a costly one in their chase for the First Division title.

They are now 10 points behind the Tribesmen in the table.

But their boss Long is hoping that his side can bounce back against Ramblers at the RSC.

“Five games in 14 days returned three wins and two defeats which can only be viewed as missed opportunities to close the gap on Galway,” he said.

“We can only take care of our own performance and unfortunately we came up short in Galway last Friday and then at home last bank holiday weekend against Wexford.

“Cobh proved very tough opponents last time we played. Shane will have his team well organised and we will have to be at our best to get back on track.”

Matthew Connor is ruled out for Waterford.

COBH RAMBLERS

Shane Keegan brings his Cobh team to the South-East as they bid for their first ‘scalp’ of the season against Waterford.



The Rams lost the last time they played against Waterford this season – and their boss is in no doubt that his side are rank outsiders to defeat them away from home.

“We always look at the Waterford and Galway games as bonus games,” Keegan explained. “I’d be shocked if they didn’t finish quite a bit ahead of the rest.

 “Against the two of them you are well and truly the underdog. At the same time, we’re on a high at the moment, it’s about time we took a scalp.

“We’re going well and it’s not a bad time to play them, as good and all as they are. They are a serious outfit however and it will be a big ask.”

Liam Kervick is ineligible for Friday night given his loan arrangement from Waterford, while Jack Doherty, Pierce Phillips and Cian Browne are expected to miss out through injury.

Referee: Marc Lynch.



 

PREDICTION

Waterford 2-0 Cobh Ramblers

 

Waterford

Injured: Matthew Connor.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.                                               

 

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Jack Doherty, Pierce Phillips, Cian Browne.

Unavailable: Liam Kervick.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.