FAI Cup Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- Kerry

COBH RAMBLERS 

First Division Cobh Ramblers host Munster rivals Kerry at St Colman’s Park on Friday night as they begin their FAI Cup campaign (kick-off is at 7.45pm). 

And the Rams will be licking their wounds after falling to a dismal 3-0 defeat against Wexford last weekend at Ferrycarrig Park. 

Gary Hunt’s side were level heading into the interval but gave up three second half goals to lose. 

They are now seventh in the First Division and three points off Bray Wanderers in fifth-place. 

Cobh are likely to remain without defender Cian Browne and striker Beineon O’Brien-Whitmarsh through injury.   

KERRY

Kerry boss Conor McCarthy is hoping that the Kingdom can reach the third round of the FAI Cup this weekend.

But he will be without the services of injured winger Valerii Dolia, with Andy Spain back in contention to start after missing last weekend’s 3-3 draw against Bray Wanderers with illness. 

“It’s a cup competition and it’s exciting for everyone,” McCarthy said. “We did well in the Munster Senior Cup. It’s kind of a one-off game and anything can happen so we are looking forward to the game itself. 

“I suppose in the way we view it and our approach, I don’t think it changes a whole pile. We go there to try and win the game like we would anywhere else.”

Referee: Declan Toland. 

PREDICTION

Cobh Ramblers 1-0 Kerry

Cobh Ramblers 

Injured: Cian Browne, Beineon O’Brien-Whitmarsh. 

Doubtful:N/A. 

Suspended: None. 

Kerry

Injured: Valerii Dolia. 

Doubtful:N/A. 

Suspended: None.