Salthill Devon -v- Cobh Ramblers

SALTHILL DEVON

Salthill Devon earned their first point of the season last week in a 3-3 thriller at Athlone Town. Star striker Enda Curran hit a hat-trick, his third coming deep in stoppage time, to help Devon get off the mark for the season.

Coach John ‘Jumbo’ Brennan maintains his side were unlucky not to have acquired the full three points but, in truth, Athlone will feel hard done by as poor finishing ultimately cost them the game.

Speaking to the club’s website Brennan said he wants his team to build on last Friday’s positive result.

“Building on last week's three goal display is vital for us tonight. We showed great courage and discipline to come from a goal down and grab a point in Athlone and it is good to see Enda Curran getting in the scoring groove early in the season.

“We have to plan without Graham Kelly, who is out with hamstring tear, while a similar injury makes Derek O'Brien very doubtful, but we will give him a fitness test at the last minute. Eugene Greaney comes back into contention after being unavailable last week also.”

Without Kelly and, potentially O’Brien, Salthill will be up against a Cobh team who has scored ten goals in four games, second only to table toppers Longford Town.

COBH RAMBLERS

Easter Sunday wasn’t good to Cobh who led Longford Town by two goals at two separate stages in a remarkable 3-4 defeat in St. Coleman’s Park.

Within seven minutes of the game beginning Ramblers were 2-0 up. A depleted Town responded with one before half-time but, the Cork side re-established their two goal lead just after the re-start. However, Longford staged a ruthless comeback that saw Tony Cousins’ side score three without reply and take the points.

Coming into tonight’s game Ramblers play their fourth away match in five and, they have yet to notch up even a point on the road.

Their only win this season was an impressive 5-0 hammering of Wexford Youths on the opening night, so, tonight Dave Hill’s team will view the trip to Salthill as potentially their first away points of the season.

Referee: Ray Matthews.

MATCH STATS

Cobh Ramblers are back in the League of Ireland for the first time since 2008.

Salthill’s play-off win over Cobh in 2010 denied The Rams promotion to the League of Ireland.

Cobh hae scored ten goals; striker Conor Meade has scored six of those. 

BETTING

Salthill 7/4; Draw 12/5; Cobh Ramblers 5/4.

PREDICTION

Salthill Devon 0-2 Cobh Ramblers.

Salthill Devon

Injured: Graham Kelly (hamstring) Adam Hynes (back spasm).
Doubtful: Derek O’Brien (hamstring).
Suspended: None.

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Unavailable.
Doubtful: Unavailable.
Suspended: None.