Preview: UCD vs Cobh Ramblers

• Abi Armstrong
• Sat, Jul 19 2008




UCD welcome Cobh Ramblers to the Belfield Bowl on Saturday with both teams desperately needing to take the three points to further their attempts to escape the relegation zone. (Kick-off 18:00). Galway United’s last minute win over Bray Wanderers on Friday saw them move off the bottom of the table. Cobh now occupies that undesirable position however a win will move them off again.

The Student’s recorded a 2-1 victory on Monday over SPL side Dundee United; however Brian Shortall picked up a facial injury in that game and is not rated doubtful. Alan Mahon is out also with the injury against Drogheda worse than first thought. He is due to go for a scan to check the extent.

Alan Mahon is fully aware of the importance of this match but believe it’s not the end of the season if they lose. “It’s a massive game but it’s not a must win game,” said Mahon.

“If we don’t win on Saturday however we will have plenty of must-win games further down the stretch,” said the UCD manager.

Cobh Ramblers welcome Shane Guthrie back from suspension. Michael Mulconry and Kieran O’Reilly both missed the Pats match but they could return. It is expected that new signing’s Colin T O’Brien and Greg O’Halloran will continue in midfield, whilst ex-Waterford United player Daryl Kavanagh will hope to get involved at some stage.

Kenny Coleman replaced the dropped Alan Carey at full back against Pats and was impressive; he will hope to retain his place. Ross Gaynor, a new signing from Millwall, featured as a sub last week and then scored a hat trick for the A team. He will hope his performance has caught the eye of the manager.

It has also been confirmed during the week that Brian McCarthy has left the club.

This relegation battle kicks off at the Bowl at 18:00.