First Division round-up: Cobh Ramblers take giant step towards securing play-off spot as Wexford pull clear of the chasing pack

Jack Doherty scored Cobh Ramblers winner on Saturday night

Jack Doherty scored Cobh Ramblers winner on Saturday night Credit: Liam Coughlan (ETPhotos)

Shane Keegan’s Cobh Ramblers are now 10 points clear of sixth-placed Longford in the race for the First Division play-offs.

The Rams pulled further clear of the chasing pack thanks to their narrow 1-0 home win over Athlone Town.

Jack Doherty’s goal was the difference between the two teams as Dario Castelo’s side lost their second game in their last three outings.

And Athlone’s defeat was good news for Wexford after they moved four points clear of closest challengers Longford Town.

James Keddy’s men ran out 2-1 winners against Treaty United at the Market’s Field after falling behind early on.

Ben O’Riordan gave Tommy Barrett’s side a first-half lead – but the game swung in Wexford’s favour during the second period.

Lee Devitt was dismissed for a second yellow card after giving away a penalty.

Wexford skipper Ethan Boyle missed the spot-kick but it mattered little as Danny Furlong and Kian Corbally both netted to seal their victory.

Meanwhile, Longford Town were held to a 0-0 draw against Kerry at Mounthawk Park.



Elsewhere, Galway United’s stroll to the First Division continued on Friday night as they ran out 4-1 winners over a luckless Bray Wanderers.

The Seagulls enjoyed much of the play at the Carlisle Grounds but failed to make their chances count as the Tribesmen scored twice late on to skew the score in their favour.

Stephen Walsh opened the scoring for John Caulfield’s men with a 33rd minute strike.

But Harry Groome then levelled seven minutes later to ensure the sides would go in as equals at the break.

But David Hurley’s 67th minute penalty nudged United back in front before Walsh completed the rout with a late double – securing his hat-trick.



Galway’s closest challengers Waterford also won away to Finn Harps – but this was a far more comfortable outing.

The Blues claimed a 4-0 win over Harps in Ballybofey with Darragh Power, Cameron Cresswell and Dean McMenamy (x2) all firing home.

Waterford have now officially secured their place in the play-offs.

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