League Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- Wexford
Stuart Ashton with his backroom team. Credit: Steve Alfred (ETPhotos)
COBH RAMBLERS
Cobh Ramblers will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 2-0 loss at home to Treaty United when they welcome Wexford to Ferrycarrig Park this evening (kick-off is at 7pm).
Cobh were undone by Treaty despite enjoying much of the play – but they are looking to bounce back and continue their rise up the table.
“It wasn’t the result we wanted. But we’ve had setbacks before, so we just have to try and bounce back from it, Cobh captain Pierce Phillips said.
“Obviously the league table isn’t looking great, but things can turn around very quickly.
People might look at Wexford and see them at the bottom of the table, but they are no push-overs.
“They are losing by one goal in very tight games. It’ll be a tough match. We found that out when we played them earlier in the season.
“They scored late on to scare us, and we can’t afford any mistakes on Saturday. We need the three points, so we have to go in with the right mindset.”
In terms of team news, Cian Murphy is also set to return from a knock, while Caelin Rooney is nearing a return to fitness.
Darren Murphy is a possible doubt, but David O’Leary is likely to miss out this weekend, while John Kavanagh and Regix Madika are still out in the medium-long term.
Young defender Cathal Crowley has left the squad to join UCC in the Munster Senior League.
WEXFORD
A resurgent Wexford will be looking to get back to winning ways as they take on Cobh Ramblers at St Colman’s Park.
The Slaneysiders were defeated last time out by Shelbourne by a goal to nil – with Georgie Poynton’s penalty the difference between the teams.
Wexford’s return to form has coincided with Lorcan Fitzgerald’s introduction to the club as centre-back.
Ian Ryan’s side have also improved as an attacking threat – and they will be hoping that improvement will yield goals this evening.
In team news, Ayman Yousif remains out, while Kieran Murphy is a doubt.
Referee: Alan Patchell.
MATCH STATS
The last three meetings have seen Cobh Ramblers claim three wins – and the Rams are unbeaten against Wexford since 2015.
BETTING
Cobh Ramblers 17/20; Draw 23/10; Wexford 14/5.
PREDICTION
Cobh Ramblers 1 - 1 Wexford
Cobh Ramblers
Injured: Caelin Rooney, David O’Leary, John Kavanagh, Regix Madika.
Doubtful: Darren Murphy.
Suspended: None.
Wexford
Injured: Ayman Yousif.
Doubtful: Kieran Murphy.
Suspended: None.
