League Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- Galway FC

• John O'Shea
• Sat, Sep 27 2014




COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh will have nothing but pride to play for when they host Galway FC on Saturday night. Last time out Ramblers lost to Longford Town 4-2, a result which means that Cobh are guaranteed to finish bottom in the First Division this season.

 

Cobh do have some bright young players at their disposal and long term they should be a side who will improve with experience.

 

Speaking ahead of the game against Galway, Cobh’s defender Craig Burns said “We’re heading into the game against Galway with a positive mindset. Although we didn’t get the result against Longford last week, we gave them a tough game. We didn’t make it easy for them and we’ll be going into Saturday’s game with plenty of confidence. Hopefully we can get the three points and get a good crowd at St Colman’s.”

 

Ryan Goldsmith and Stephen Kenny return from suspension for Ramblers.  But Robert Waters is banned for the game.

 

GALWAY

Galway FC will travel to Cork full of confidence as they look to secure their spot in the end of season playoffs. 

 

Galway make the trip to St Coleman’s Park in a confident frame of mind after they have won their last four league games.

 

Four wins from their last three games will seal a top- three finish.

 

The Connacht side defeated Finn Harps 3-0 last time out at home.  Goals on the night came from Jake Keegan, Vinny Faherty and Gary Shanahan.

 

It is a massive game for Galway, and manager Tommy Dunne knows that a good test awaits his side down in Cobh.

 

“There is nothing guaranteed yet, we have to go to Cobh and it is as tough a place to go in the division. The pitch is terrible, they have a very young side who are very ‘gamey’ and will just keep coming and coming at you, and they are physical enough as well.

 

“For me, the ground is the kind of place where you go there and can be lulled into a false sense of security, you think ‘we’ll be fine here’ and next thing you know you’ve been hit for a couple of goals.

 

“I watched them last week against Longford and down there against Wexford – they should have been three up against Longford; and against Wexford, they were done at the end with a last minute equalizer after absolutely playing them off the park.

 

In team news, Stephen Walsh is back after a ban for the side from Connacht.

 

Referee:  Andrew Mullally

 

MATCH STATS 

The sides have met already three times in the league this season, with Galway winning on all three occasions.

 

Galway have a goal difference of (+23), only Longford Town have a better goal difference in the division.

 

Cobh last lost at home in the league back in July, when they went down 3-0 against Longford Town.

 

BETTING   

Cobh Ramblers 15/2; Draw 10/3; Galway FC 1/3.

 

PREDICTION    

Cobh Ramblers 1-2 Galway FC

 

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Eoin Hastings, Ron Stanton.

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Rob Waters

 

Galway FC

Injured: None

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None