League Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- Waterford
Wateford's management team of Keith Long (right) and Alan Reynolds take evasive action during their team's win in Cobh Credit: Liam Coughlan (ETPhotos)
COBH RAMBLERS
Cobh Ramblers host Waterford at St Colman’s Park as the Rams look to build on their good form prior to the mid-season break (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
Ramblers defeated Longford Town and Treaty United prior to the interval, winning each game by a single one-goal margin.
And that has lifted the Rams into the top-four – and they sit just behind third placed Athlone Town on goal difference.
But crucially, Cobh are comfortably sitting in the play-off positions – seven points clear of sixth-placed Wexford.
However, it is likely that the Rams will remain without Michael McCarthy and Issa Kargbo for Friday’s clash against the Blues in East Cork.
WATERFORD
Keith Long’s title-hunting Waterford visit St Colman’s Park in a bid to stay in touch with league leaders Galway United.
The Blues are 10 points behind Galway United but do still have to play John Caulfield’s men twice before the end of the season.
But before they can think of that they must drop as few points as possible – starting with Friday against Cobh.
“Cobh is a really tough place to go to get a result on a really tight pitch and they’re a good side,” Long said.
“We know they’ll make it very, very difficult so we’ll have to make sure we win the duels; win them individual battles.
“Collectively as a team, we have to perform to a high standard and try to pick up where we left off before the break.”
Dean McMenamy is out following injury picked up before the break while Shane Griffin remains a doubt. Romeo Akachukwu and Connor Parsons are available following knocks.
Referee: Ray Matthews.
PREDICTION
Cobh Ramblers 0-2 Waterford
Cobh Ramblers
Injured: Michael McCarthy, Issa Kargbo.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Waterford
Injured: Dean McMenamy.
Doubtful: Shane Griffin.
Suspended: None.
