League Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- Cork City

Action from Cork City's 4-0 win over Cobh in August 2021

Action from Cork City's 4-0 win over Cobh in August 2021 Credit: Steve Alfred (ETPhotos)

COBH RAMBLERS

Eighth placed Cobh go into the derby aiming to gain ground on those ahead of them in the table. Monday’s 3-2 victory over bottom side Athlone Town halted a run of five successive defeats.

This had left them nearer the bottom than the promotion spots. It has been a difficult season for them so far despite the arrival of several former City players.

It will not be easy against the league leaders though. Regardless of their league position, and form, it will likely be a bumper crowd in St. Coleman’s Park. 

Darren Murphy is looking forward to the occasion. “We have to put them under pressure and when you get that chance it’s important that we take it. We’ll be in front of a big home crowd again on Friday and our lads are starting to believe in themselves.

"Anyone that’s interested in football around Cork will be there. It’s a huge game and you’ll get people coming out for a great night of football.” 

Jake Hegarty also hyped up the game. “We owe them one, we didn’t perform to our best the last time we met (losing 2-0). It’ll be a physical game, it’ll be intense, lively and how a derby should be. We’ll be well up for it.”

CORK CITY

The Leesiders recovered from a scoreless home draw with Bray Wanderers to record an impressive victory down in Waterford. It saw them extend their lead at the top of the table over Galway United to three points, albeit with a game extra played. 

It was a defender who ended up having a major input into the game. Ally Gilchrist came up from the back to plant home the winning goal in the Munster derby.



They are further boosted by news on the injury front for Friday as players have returned to the squad and are more back in training. They know to not take their Cork rivals form for granted though. 

The presence of several former City players in the squad adds to the intrigue. Pierce Phillips, Beineón O’ Brien-Withmarsh, Sean McGrath, John Kavanagh, Luke Desmond, Issa Kargbo and Dale Holland are all recent arrivals at Cobh and will be looking to create an impression against their former side.

A lack of consistency in the Munster derbies last season was a major factor in City’s struggles in the league. They have impressed in them so far, but aware that any slip-up will allow Galway the opportunity to take advantage. 

Referee: Kevin O’ Sullivan

MATCH STATS

It was a straight forward home victory for Cork City in the first encounter of the season. Goals from Ally Gilchrist and Cian Murphy helped Cork to a 2-0 win. 



It followed the trend from last season when all three games finished up with a victory to the home side. Jake Hegarty proved to be the match winner in this fixture last season. That had been their first win against their rivals at home since 1995. They hope to repeat that feat yet again. 

BETTING

Cobh Ramblers 15/2; Draw 15/4; Cork City 2/7.

PREDICTION

Cobh Ramblers 0-3 Cork City 

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: John Kavanagh, Issa Kargbo, 

Doubtful: Dale Holland, Danny O’ Connell

Suspended: Harlain Mbayo

Cork City

Injured: Dylan McGlade, Gordon Walker, George Heaven, Alec Byrne, Cian Coleman

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: None

 

    About Philip Morrissey

    Philip is a Cork City fan for his entire adult life. From bad times to good, whether this was taking on some major European sides or in the First Division. Philip went back to college … View Full Profile