PREVIEW | Cobh Ramblers v Drogheda

Saturday night football is finally back in Cobh this weekend as we host Drogheda United in our opening First Division tie of the season. Kicking-off at 19:00, Tim Clancy’s Louth men come to Cobh as this year’s title favourites but will face a Ramblers side rearing to go after a lengthy pre-season. United won all three meetings between the sides in 2019, including the opening fixture.

Manager Stuart Ashton will be without the suspended Stephen O’Leary, who carries over a one game ban from last year. John Kavanagh is also unlikely to play, having suffered a knock in the recent Munster Cup game in Carrigaline. Cameron Harlson, Bryan Murphy and Mikey Foley will face late fitness tests, with all three missing the recent Carrigaline tie through injury.

A number of players are in line for competitive Ramblers debuts, including defender Darryl Walsh and attacker Conor Drinan. Defender Ben O’Riordan heads into the game with 99 senior appearances and could hit the 100 mark on the night.

Manager Stuart Ashton spoke about the game at Wednesday’s launch night and is eagerly awaiting the clash,

“We’re definitely looking forward to it. Training is going well, there’s a real buzz around the place at the moment and we hope to put on a good display in front of the fans on Saturday night. The Carrigaline game was a setback, but we’ve dealt with that in training and it’s behind us. Drogheda are a good side, we know that, but Colman’s is a tough place for any side to come and we’re ready.”

We would like to hugely thank Doyle Shipping Group for their match sponsorship on the night, and their work on our dugout which suffered storm damage of late. The St Colman’s Park pitch is looking its best in a long time following an intensive maintenance effort during the winter break. We also thank local bar Mansworth’s for their very generous matchball sponsorship on the night.

With a busy week of partnership announcements, photo-shoots, clean-ups and press releases, it’s now time to let the football to the talking. 19:00 kick-off at St Colman’s Park.

Suspended: Stephen O’Leary

Doubtful: John Kavanagh, Cameron Harlson, Mikey Foley, Bryan Murphy