Saint Patrick's Athletic vs. Cobh Ramblers

Saint Patrick’s Athletic could effectively secure runners-up spot behind Bohemians in the League of Ireland Premier Division this weekend if they overcome a relegation threatened but improving Cobh Ramblers at Richmond Park this Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

Cast adrift of champions elect Bohs, the best the Saints can now hope for is second place and a UEFA Cup slot. Johnny McDonnell’s men have endured a hectic few months as they battled on four fronts. However, after bowing out of the UEFA Cup to Hertha Berlin ten days ago and the Setanta Sports Cup last Monday, the only chance of silverware they have left is the FAI Cup, which they haven’t won since 1961.

Also on their agenda will be making sure that they maintain their current position in the league, and a win here would leave them within touching distance of achieving that goal. On average, the Inchicore club have been playing a game every four days for the past two months but, despite tiredness inevitably setting in, they should be safe from the threat of being caught for second by Derry City.

Strangely, this will be their first outing at home in the league since narrowly beating Sligo Rovers thanks to a late, late Damien Lynch winner on 24 August. They do, however, come into this encounter in good form in the league as they have won their last two games, both on 1-0 scorelines, away to Bray Wanderers and, last weekend, Finn Harps. Star striker Mark Quigley scored both goals.

McDonnell is aware, however, of the threat that Cobh pose. “Cobh are coming here on the back of a good win against Rovers so it will be a difficult test for us,” he said. “The last two games against Cobh this season have been very tight with both ending in narrow wins for us. We’ve been hit by a lot of injuries but we’ve had four recovery days since our last match and, while it’s not our strongest side, it’s the best team available to us. It’s our next game and it gives us the chance to get three more points”.

Cobh, meanwhile, will also be in good spirits when they make the long trip north. The Cork club, who have been continually written-off as relegation certainties throughout the season, last week accumulated a priceless four points from meetings with Drogheda United (away) and Shamrock Rovers (home). However, they are still four points adrift of the safety of ninth place, which is currently occupied by Finn Harps, with just five games remaining.

These sides, of course, have already met twice this term. Back in April, at Richmond Park, an early goal from American winger Ryan Guy gave the Saints a 1-0 victory. Then, in July, Ramblers were again on the wrong end of that scoreline at Saint Colman’s Park, as debutant Derek O’Brien sprung from the bench to net the only goal of the game.

Team News: Hosts Saint Patrick’s are again hit by a glut of injuries. Damien Lynch (ankle), Dessie Byrne (hamstring), David Partridge (shoulder), Bobby Ryan (knee), Stephen Paisley (groin), Gary O’Neill (groin) and John Murphy (back) are all ruled out. Winger Derek O’Brien is also unavailable as he must serve a one-match ban. Cobh have a full-strength squad to choose from, with the exception of suspended midfielder Conor Meade.

Extratime.ie Prediction: Cobh will be looking for better luck against Pats this time around, however, they will have to be at their very best to take anything back to Cork. We predict another 1-0 win for the Saints. No doubt if they do so, Mark Quigley will again be the hero.