League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Cobh Ramblers

• John O'Shea
• Fri, Apr 18 2014




SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne have gotten off to a great start in this year’s Airtricity First Division as they look for a return to the Premier at the first time of asking. Tonight they host Cobh Ramblers in Tolka Park, knowing they have a four point advantage at the top of the table.

 

The Reds came away from Galway with all three points last Friday courtesy of a late goal from Dylan Connolly.

 

Shels manager Johnny Mc Donnell is fully aware that tonight’s game will pose a test to his high flying Reds.

 

"Cobh may not have started the season as well as they would have liked, but we all know that they have a very good young team and the draw against Waterford shows myself and my players that this will be a difficult game."


In team news, Shelbourne have doubts about the fitness of John Sullivan, Jordan Keegan and Conor Murphy.

 

COBH RAMBLERS 

Cobh make the trip to Dublin after a battling performance to earn a draw with Munster rivals Waterford United in St Coleman’s Park last time out.

 

That will offer signs of encouragement for Cobh manager Martin Cambridge, along with the fact that their u19 side won the Enda McGuill Cup shows that the future is bright.

 

In team news, Cobh will be without Andrew Bhandarker and Johnathon Spillane.

 

Referee:  Adriano Reale

 

 

MATCH STATS

This will be the first encounter between the sides since 2007.

 

Shelbourne are one of only two sides who are still unbeaten in both divisions of the SSE Airtricity League.

 

 

BETTING

Shelbourne 1/4; Draw 4/1;  Cobh Ramblers 9/1

 

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 2-0 Cobh Ramblers

 

 

Shelbourne

Injury News:  John Sullivan, Jordan Keegan, Conor Murphy.

Suspension News:  None.

 

Cobh Ramblers

Injury News:  Andrew Bhandarker, Jonathan Spillane.

Cobh Ramblers Suspension News:  None.