League Preview: Cork City -v- Cobh Ramblers

CORK CITY

Colin Healy takes official charge for the first time since taking the reigns during the close season when Cobh Ramblers visit Turners Cross on Friday night (Kick-off 7.45 PM)

The former City legend is anticipating a tough task ahead.

“You will always get a difficult game against Cobh,” he explained, “They are honest lads, and you know the majority of them. They are well organised, and they are good hard-working lads.

“Our players will have worked all week towards the Cobh game. We will have looked at their strengths and weaknesses. The lads are ready, and they know what they are going into on Friday night,” Healy said in a recent press event.

The likes of Jack Baxter, George Heaven and a returning Steven Beattie could all play a part.

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh will be hoping to go one better this season, having just lost out on the final day for the play-offs. Stuart Ashton will be hoping this disappointment will prove a motivation in his second year in charge.

Given the level of competition this year, gaining points against sides tipped for promotion will prove critical. A result here would certainly raise confidence for the year ahead.

The likes of Ian Turner, John Kavanagh and Darren Murphy find themselves back on a familiar ground having previously lined out for Cork City.



They will aim to provide a level of experience to assist a number of promising signings from the Munster Senior League. David O’ Leary, Sean Baron and Killian Cooper could all feature at some point tomorrow night.

Referee: Alan Patchell

 

MATCH STATS

This is the first league encounter between the two local rivals since 2008. Cork City easily overcame their visitors 5-0 in June of that year, whilst both games at St. Colman’s Park finished in a draw (0-0 and 1-1).

They have never played each other at this level. The last win for Cobh over City was in the League Cup in 2006.



BETTING

Cork City 3/5, Draw 13/5, Cobh Ramblers 15/4

PREDICTION

Cork City 2-0 Cobh Ramblers

 

Cork City

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: None. 

 

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Regix Madika.

Doubtful: Ben O'Riordan. 

Suspended: Caelin Rooney.