- Stephen Walsh
- Sat, Jun 03 2017
Cobh Ramblers kept themselves in the promotion race by defeating Wexford by a solitary goal in St. Colman’s Park on Friday night.
Stephen Henderson made two changes to the side that drew with leaders Waterford six days ago with Ross Mann and Kyle McNamara starting in place of Stephen Christopher and Scott McCarthy.
Wexford made three changes as Andy O’Connor, Ricky Fox, Danny Doyle started in place of Lee Duffy and suspended duo Ross Kenny and Thomas Croke.
The first half had few chances while the second had a few chances of note before it sprung to life, with Ian Mylod's goal 11 minutes from time setting up an action-packed finish.
The early-season encounter between the sides saw them play out a 1-1 score line, followed by a 2-1 score line a few weeks later.
The first half was devoid of action, as save for an opportunistic cross that just floated wide of Graham Doyle’s goal on 25 minutes there was little of note in the game.
Wexford had a few breaks but, aside from Ben O’Riordan blocking a Liam Donnelly shot on 20 minutes, nothing of note happened for them.
Early in the second half, Cian Coleman had a chance but headed wide from close range following a Matthew Whelan cross.
On 56 minutes, Charlie Fleming had a drive from distance tipped over the bar by Doyle.
Wexford, who were playing a lot better than their pre match odds of 5/1 suggested, had a very good chance with 20 minutes to go when Sean Hurley fired narrowly over from outside the box.
On 77 minutes Wexford had a legitimate shout for a penalty when Danny Doyle was dragged down by James McSweeney but referee Patrick O’Connor waved play on.
The home side went up the other end of the field and took the lead, much to the relief of the betting public who had pushed the odds from 4/7 to 2/5 today.
A shot from outside the box by Jason Abbott was spilled by Doyle to Mylod, who toe poked it into the net.
The final ten minutes got very heated with a brawl in the middle of the pitch that lasted a minute involving 20 players.
Then, on 88 minutes, a wild tackle by Wexford's Andy O’Connor saw him receive a straight red card.
Ramblers now go into the break on a high, just two points behind leaders Waterford, while Wexford remain at the foot of the table.
Cobh Ramblers: Paul Hunt; Charlie Fleming, James McSweeney, Ben O’Riordan, Kyle McNamara (Chris McCarthy 69); Ross Mann (Shane Lowth 46), Craig Donnellan, Cian Coleman, Jason Abbott, Ian Mylod; Matthew Whelan.
Subs not used: Scott McCarthy, Stephen Christopher, Michael Sadys, Darren Murphy, Anthony O’Donnell, Scott McCarthy.
Booked: Coleman (66), Fleming (86), Donnellan (90+3).
Wexford: Graham Doyle; Ricky Fox, Craig McCabe, Owen McCormack, Andy O’Connor; Liam Donnelly (Dean George 86), Conor Sutton (Craig Hayes 82), Craig Wall, Sean Hurley; Mark Slater; Danny Doyle.
Subs not used: Dean George, Vinny Dundon, Larry Chambers.
Booked: Hurley (28), Fox (45+1), Slater (55), Owen McCormack (86)
Sent off: O’Connor (88)
Referee: Patrick O’Connor.
Attendance: 240 (estimate).
Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Ben O’Riordan (Cobh Ramblers).
