Cobh Ramblers -v- Salthill Devon

COBH RAMBLERS

If it’s excitement you’re after, St. Colman’s Park has been the place to be this season, with a whopping 26 goals having been scored there in the five games played at the East Cork ground.

All neutral supporters will hope for more of the same on Friday evening, as Cobh Ramblers host Salthill Devon there in the basement clash of the Airtricity League First Division.

The Rams will be looking at the game as pivotal for more than one reason. First and most importantly to gather some momentum in their drive up the league table, and secondly to bounce back from a disappointing 5-1 drubbing at the hands of Longford Town last time out.

The sun has treated residents of the Rebel County with a rare visit this past week, transforming many locals from cynical individuals wearing jackets to optimists wearing shorts. Hopefully it will lead to a big crowd come the weekend, and a pleasant journey for any travelling Salthill Devon supporters.

SALTHILL DEVON

Positivity is a difficult thing for fans of Salthill Devon to muster up lately. Currently sitting rock bottom of the Airtricity League First Division with just three points from a possible 33, things could most certainly be better for the Galway club.

Making the journey south to Cork this Friday evening however, they can find a chink of hope. They seem to have quite the Indian sign over their hosts, being unbeaten in five consecutive games against Cobh Ramblers.

In the reverse fixture earlier in the season the two sides couldn’t be separated with a 1-1 draw the eventual outcome, while their last meeting in Cobh ended in victory for Salthill, a 1-0 win that ensured promotion to the First Division in 2010.

Much like Ramblers, they will see Friday’s game as absolutely crucial in their bid for survival. Currently eight points adrift with well over a third of the season played, they need points on the board, and fast.

Referee: Shane Dunphy.

MATCH STATS

Goals should be guaranteed on Friday evening, as both sides have officially the two leakiest backlines in the First Division. Cobh have conceded 24 times in the league this season, while Salthill have left in one fewer with 23.

At the other end however, there is some disparity. While Ramblers have the joint second best record in front of goal having found the net 20 times this calendar year, their visitors have scored just nine times, the joint worst amount in the division.

Salthill Devon also possess a pretty woeful away record this season. With six games played away from their home in Galway they have failed to win any, while the Rams have a better record at home – winning twice out of five potential opportunities.

BETTING

Cobh Ramblers evens, Draw 9/4, Salthill Devon 12/5.

PREDICTION

Cobh Ramblers 4-1 Salthill Devon. If football obeys common sense, then goals should be an absolute cert. St. Colman’s Park has been a haven for netbusters this season, and will continue in that vein of form on Friday evening.

Cobh Ramblers 

Injured: Andrew Bhandarkhar
Doubtful: John Meade
Suspended: Sean O’Mahony, Brian Fitzgerald

Salthill Devon

Injured:
Doubtful:
Suspended: None.