MATCH PREVIEW: Cobh Ramblers v Cabinteely

Cobh Ramblers will be looking to get back to winning ways this Friday night, as Stephen Henderson’s side host Cabinteely at St Colman’s Park.

Ramblers went down 2-1 to Athlone Town last weekend, a result that saw Ramblers go from top spot to third, and boss Stephen Henderson is hoping for a marked improvement on Friday.

“The result was disappointing. We didn’t handle it well, we didn’t pass the ball well, we didn’t play well. I think we only had one shot in the whole game, and that went in the net. It was a terrible day at the office, so we have to have a look and try and find out what happened.

“The squad are young lads. I think the world of this group of players, they’re exceptionally hard working. But there’s a reason we got to the top of the table in the first place. It’s not because we’re superstars. It’s because we’re a hard working bunch, who have a lot of respect for each other and we work hard for each other, and we play the game in a certain way.

“When we go away from the way of playing, we get ourselves into trouble. And we did that against Athlone. So we’re going to have to sort it.

“I do believe we can win this league. I do believe once our heads are together, and we stick to the plan, we can win this league.”

Cabinteely had a 4-1 win over Ramblers earlier in the season, and Henderson is aware of how dangerous a side they are – but there’s some extra motivation for Ramblers going into the game.

“If we win against Cabinteely, or even draw, that’s a whole year of going unbeaten at home in the league. And that would be a fantastic record for Cobh Ramblers, for the players, to go a whole year unbeaten at home in the league.

“So let’s try and get that record. Let’s try and get that passion that we have for the game back. Let’s get back to the manner of playing that has brought us success.”

The game is being played on Friday evening instead of Ramblers’ usual Saturday evening time slot.

This is because of Cobh Wanderers’ FAI Intermediate Cup final appearance at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, as they take on Liffey Wanderers. And Henderson is backing Wanderers to take the cup back to Leeside.

“The deserve every bit of support they can get. Wanderers have been exceptional this year, Michael Deasy has done a fantastic job. They’ve a lot of former Cobh Ramblers players there, lots of local lads. We’re playing on Friday so we can go up and support them on Saturday.

“But we have to focus on Friday’s game first. And let’s try and get this Athlone game out of our system and get back to winning ways as fast as we can.”

On the team news front Karl Caulfield (quad muscle strain) and Cian Kingston (ankle) both miss out, while captain Christopher McCarthy’s red card away to Athlone means he’s suspended for Friday’s game.
INJURY NEWS – Karl Caulfield (quad), Cian Kingston (ankle) both out

SUSPENSIONS – Christopher McCarthy

LEAGUE FORM (most recent first) : L W W D W

LAST MEETING : Cabinteely 4-1 Ramblers, 25th March