Credit:
League Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- Cabinteely FC
- Dave Donnelly
- Sat, Apr 04 2015
COBH RAMBLERS
Cobh Ramblers have endured a nightmare start to the season which has seen them lose each of their first four games without a single goal scored. The optimism with which the Cork club began the season, having recruited what looked like a good squad at this level, soon dissipated as they slumped to heavy defeats at home to UCD and Wexford Youths.
Martin Cambridge walked the plank following the 4-1 loss to Wexford Youths, along with assistant Shane Kavanagh, leaving Anthony Wolfe to preside over a more respectable 2-0 loss at Finn Harps, but the club have done well to re-appoint Stephen Henderson, who guided the club to the First Division title in 2007.
They may look to Bray Wanderers for inspiration (if such a thing exists), who registered their first league win of the season after parting company with manager Alan Mathews, though for Henderson it's likely any manner of points on the board will be a job well done.
CABINTEELY FC
Cabinteely could be forgiven for thinking there's nothing much to this league football, having won two of their opening four games as well as a dramatic last-minute winner to beat UCD in the EA Sports Cup in Belfield.
Far from being the whipping boys many feared, Cabo have set up like Eddie Gormley's sides typically have in the past – well organised, solid at the back, minimal risks taken and with a couple of flair players who can make the difference in the final third.
While losses to Shelbourne and league leaders Finn Harps have followed, they've shown they're more than capable of competing at this level and, on form alone, should be the favourites for this tie, however with a new manager to impress Cobh may be marginally more favoured.
Referee: David Keeler.
MATCH STATS
Cobh Ramblers and Cabinteely have never met before.
Cobh Ramblers have lost each of their four home games so far this season, but they did reach the semi-finals of the Munster Senior Cup before losing to Avondale United. Cobh have finished seventh and eighth respectively in their two season since re-entering the League of Ireland.
Cabinteely have three wins from their opening five competitive games, but haven't scored more than once in any of those games.
BETTING
Cobh Ramblers 6/5; Cabinteely 11/5; Draw 2/1.
PREDICTION
Cobh Ramblers 1-0 Cabinteely
Cobh Ramblers
Injured: Darren Murphy (1995), Ross McCarthy (knee), Peter White.
Doubtful: None
Suspended: Darren Murphy (1985).
Cabinteely
Injured: Unknown.
Doubtful: Unknown.
Suspended: Unknown.
