First Division Playoff Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- Waterford

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh Ramblers are in an unfamiliar territory at this stage of the season as they head to Turner's Cross on Saturday evening to face Waterford in the First Division play-off final (kick-off is at 5pm).

The Cork club are just two victories away from a first appearance in the top-flight since 2008.

James O’Leary’s late goal at St Colman’s Park sealed their progression to this final against Wexford last week.

And boss Shane Keegan said: “Waterford are an outstanding side. They finished second, miles ahead of anything behind them and we know what they’re capable of.

"You probably need them to blow cold on a night when we’re blowing hot.

"That’s what happened in the two games where we got a result against them and that’ll give us confidence.

"We’re underdogs but we’ve been underdogs all season, so bring it on”

On-loan duo Dean Larkin and Liam Kervick are absent in the game against their parent club. Michael McCarthy is still absent with an injury.

WATERFORD

Waterford travel west aiming to make it third time lucky.

They finished a distant second behind Galway United as they aim to return to the Premier Division after two seasons following relegation in 2021.

That was in a play-off to UCD and they failed to beat the same opponents last year.  

And Keith Long warned his side against complacency during the week: “Cobh are a well organised, well coached team with good players, so we know we have to perform and produce a top-level performance to try and progress to the Promotion/Relegation play-off.

"Our fans have been brilliant, and we’ve had a large travelling support with us all season and we know they’ll be out in numbers again to drive us towards our goals."

Waterford have no real injury concerns ahead of the game.  

Referee: David Dunne.

MATCH STATS

Its two wins apiece in the regular league season.

Waterford were straight out of the blocks at St Colman’s Park in the opener scoring twice in the first ten minutes in a 3-1 win. The return at RSC saw five separate goal scorers for the home side as they crushed their rivals to stay on the heels of Galway United in the title race.

But it was much different in the second home game for Cobh. Wilson Waweru struck for the only goal in the second half to give them their first win against Waterford in six years.

The Cork side then all but confirmed their play-off spot with a disciplined 2-0 win in the final encounter away to Waterford.  

BETTING

Cobh Ramblers 4/1, Draw 5/2, Waterford FC 4/9

PREDICTION

Cobh Ramblers 1-2 Waterford

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Michael McCarthy

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Waterford

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.