First Division round-up: Cobh Ramblers take giant step towards securing play-off spot as Wexford pull clear of the chasing pack
Jack Doherty scored Cobh Ramblers winner on Saturday night Credit: Liam Coughlan (ETPhotos)
Shane Keegan’s Cobh Ramblers are now 10 points clear of sixth-placed Longford in the race for the First Division play-offs.
The Rams pulled further clear of the chasing pack thanks to their narrow 1-0 home win over Athlone Town.
Jack Doherty’s goal was the difference between the two teams as Dario Castelo’s side lost their second game in their last three outings.
Jack Doherty 62mins pic.twitter.com/EKxgoLG1w0
— Cobh Ramblers FC (@CobhRamblersFC) September 9, 2023
And Athlone’s defeat was good news for Wexford after they moved four points clear of closest challengers Longford Town.
James Keddy’s men ran out 2-1 winners against Treaty United at the Market’s Field after falling behind early on.
Ben O’Riordan gave Tommy Barrett’s side a first-half lead – but the game swung in Wexford’s favour during the second period.
Lee Devitt was dismissed for a second yellow card after giving away a penalty.
Wexford skipper Ethan Boyle missed the spot-kick but it mattered little as Danny Furlong and Kian Corbally both netted to seal their victory.
Meanwhile, Longford Town were held to a 0-0 draw against Kerry at Mounthawk Park.
Kian Corbally made this tidy finish for the winning goal at the Markets Field for all three points last night!
— Wexford FC (@WexfordFC) September 9, 2023
Cork City in the FAI Cup quarter final next up! pic.twitter.com/ND8vD4NJxN
Elsewhere, Galway United’s stroll to the First Division continued on Friday night as they ran out 4-1 winners over a luckless Bray Wanderers.
The Seagulls enjoyed much of the play at the Carlisle Grounds but failed to make their chances count as the Tribesmen scored twice late on to skew the score in their favour.
Stephen Walsh opened the scoring for John Caulfield’s men with a 33rd minute strike.
But Harry Groome then levelled seven minutes later to ensure the sides would go in as equals at the break.
But David Hurley’s 67th minute penalty nudged United back in front before Walsh completed the rout with a late double – securing his hat-trick.
WHAT A HUGE MOMENT
— Gaillimh Aontaithe (@GalwayUnitedFC) September 8, 2023
Stephen Walsh celebrates our third goal of the evening to put us within points of league title! #ItsATribalThing | Sponsored by @marvoyltdpic.twitter.com/fLHiff5sNI
Galway’s closest challengers Waterford also won away to Finn Harps – but this was a far more comfortable outing.
The Blues claimed a 4-0 win over Harps in Ballybofey with Darragh Power, Cameron Cresswell and Dean McMenamy (x2) all firing home.
Waterford have now officially secured their place in the play-offs.
90+4' FULL TIME in Finn Park and it's a 4-0 Blues win. Goals from Darragh Power, Cameron Cresswell and Dean McMenamy (2).
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) September 8, 2023
Big thanks once again for the support - back in action at the RSC on Friday against Cobh Ramblers.
0-4 #FINvWATpic.twitter.com/hw2y7h1qAm
