League Report: Cork City 2 - 1 Cobh Ramblers

Philip Morrissey reports from Turners Cross

A cold and wet Turners Cross saw the return of the Cork derby as City hosted Cobh.

It was City side who ultimately took home the bragging rights, and points, at the end, but Ramblers will feel annoyed at getting nothing out of a game they controlled at times.

A second-half goal decided matters in the end, to start the Colin Healy era off on a winning note. He might have been concerned with the number of chances the away side had to snatch a point though.

Both teams chose to give starts to their new recruits. George Heaven, Gordon Walker and Jack Baxter made their bow for City, whilst Ciaran Griffin and David O’ Leary lined out for Cobh.

Neither side were wasting time from the kick-off. Conor Drinan ballooned over when Mark McNulty failed to claim a free kick.

There was an even better chance at the other end. Dylan McGlade found himself in space inside the area, was allowed time to turn but only managed to strike the crossbar.

Ramblers were not sitting back and harassed the midfield and defence on a number of occasions. Both sides were flying into challenges which required Alan Patchell to issue some stern warnings.

Cian Bargary forced the first decent save from either keeper when Barron tipped his low shot past the post. A fizzing cross by Daryl Walsh just missed contact at the back post at the other end.

McNulty was forced into a save from distance before City went ahead. A training ground move came off perfectly from a corner. McGlade played it short to Bargary, he found Coleman and he found the bottom corner.

McGlade was beginning to come to life now and a mazy run and shot, forced the Cobh back-line worry. Another set-piece almost doubled the lead as Kavanagh had to clear the ball off the line as Coleman almost struck again.

Cobh started on the front foot yet again by pressing high in the City half. They almost got their reward from a free-kick. Captain John Kavanagh feinted to cross and instead chanced his luck from distance. It forced McNulty to scramble it clear.

The equaliser was deserved but came somewhat out of the blue. A long ball forward was gathered by Griffin who smacked home a debut goal. Delight for the players and bench.

They seemed now more likely to go ahead. Walsh blasted wide from a corner and Ian Turner made McNulty work yet again. The former City player was performing well in the midfield area.

City were attempting to hit back by unleashing the pace of their forward players on the break. This often did not stick as the passing was often awry. It was this route that enabled them retake the lead.

Sub Alec Byrne won the ball in midfield and released McGlade. His chipped cross from the by-line should have been intercepted but O’ Brien-Withmarsh caused panic in the area. His presence forced Barron into an error and Bargary slammed home.

Cobh were not finished. Drinan seized on a loose pass and smacked a shot which crashed off the bar and out to safety.

Minutes later an overhead kick went over the bar. Cobh did have the ball in the net, but it was ruled out for an earlier foul on McNulty.

Tempers frayed in the final minutes as Cobh players were incensed with a late challenge. The final whistle came, and City were relieved to get over the line.

City are due to travel to Cabinteely next Friday, while Cobh play UCD at home the following day

Cork City: Mark McNulty; Ronan Hurley, George Heaven, Gordon Walker; Cian Coleman, Jack Baxter, Cian Bargary, Dylan McGlade, Gearóid Morrissey (c); Cory Galvin (Alec Byrne 58), Cian Murphy (Beineon O'Brien Whitmarsh 61).

Subs not used: Dale Holland, David Harrington, Jonas Hakkinen, Darragh Crowley, Issa Kargbo, Jack Walsh, Jamie Wynne.

Booked: Jack Baxter (33), Cory Galvin (20).

Cobh Ramblers: Sean Barron; Darryl Walsh, Charlie Lyons, John Kavanagh (c), Conor Drinan; Ian Turner, Pierce Phillips, David O'Leary, Darren Murphy, Lee Devitt Molloy (Killian Cooper 79); Ciaran Griffin.

Subs not used: Kevin Williams, Christopher O'Reilly, Stephen O'Leary, Cian Murphy, Jake Hegarty, Martin Coughlan, Nathan Coleman, Corey Chambers.

Booked: John Kavanagh (90) Darren Murphy (90).
 

Referee: Alan Patchell

Attendance: 0.

ExtraTime.ie Player of the Match: George Heaven (Cork City)