Cobh Ramblers Ladies Notes: Cobh Ramblers 0-1 Douglas Hall

The after match conversation in the clubhouse was not about the exciting game that people witnessed but rather about the two major decisions the referee made within 5 mins that cost Ramblers at least a point. Games between these two clubs are always packed with excitement and this one was no different with the rivalry intensified with the return of former assistant manager Peter Rowe to St Colman’s Park with his new club. Douglas opened brightly as they attacked Ramblers in waves but credit to Ramblers defence they stood firm with Eilish Walsh in goal in outstanding form. It was the visitors who created the best scoring opportunities but they failed to push home their advantage. However Linda Mc Namara got onto the end of a Ciara Duffy corner and had her shot blocked on the goaline, it appeared that the ball was handled by a Douglas defender but referee Chrissie Buckley waved play on. With both sides competing for every ball the half time break was welcomed with the score at nil all.

Ramblers came out much stronger in the second half and they began to pass the ball with much more venom as they started to create chances. Ciara Duffy hit the side netting, and 13mins later it looked as if Ciara had found the top left hand corner but the Douglas keeper made a wonderful save. The game then turned when the referee awarded Douglas Hall a free kick for some strange reason on the edge of Ramblers penalty area. A well rehearsed free kick was headed into the Ramblers goal as the home defence failed to clear the cross. Within 4 mins Ramblers were awarded a free kick just outside the Douglas penalty area. Ciara Duffy unleashed a wonderful shot that hit the upright and rebounded to the inrushing Mc Namara who scored only for again some reason only known to the referee was ruled offside. It certainly was not Ramblers night as the Douglas centre forward forced a brilliant diving save from the home keeper but unfortunately Eilish Walsh seriously injured her hand and had to be replaced in goal by Linda Mc Namara. With these enforced changes Ramblers found it difficult to break down the Douglas defence so all 3 points went to the Hall. Another gallant performance from an under strength Ramblers side who are missing key players due to injury but you’ve got to ponder on these referee decisions.

Best for Cobh Ramblers: Lorna Phelan, Eilish Walsh, Sinead O’Brien.

Cobh Ramblers: Eilish Walsh, Mary Mc Donnell, Mary Guilfoyle, Maureen O’Sullivan, Lorna Phelan, Yvonne Harrington, Orianna Mc Grath, Sinead O’Brien, Ciara Duffy, Chloe Smith, Linda Mc Namara.

Subs: Jane Allen for Walsh(inj), Aoife Braund for Duffy.