Cobh Ramblers 0-0 Waterford Utd

It was a rare occasion on Saturday as no goals were scored in a match at St Colman’s Park. It was the first scoreless draw at the ground in League of Ireland football since April 25th 2008 against UCD. An outstanding Robert Birdsall was Cobh’s saviour on the night, producing some fine saves especially in the second half.

Ramblers made five changes from their 4-0 loss to Galway. Sean O’Mahony, Brendeán Frahill, Ryan Goldsmith, Alan O’Flynn and Keith O’Flynn all coming into the side. There were plenty of Blues fans around the ground but it wasn’t the largest contingent of home supporters.

The first half failed to capture the imagination and there were little chances of note. Waterford were the more impressive side early on with Patrick Barrett and Willie John Kiely drawing good saves from Birdsall. Ex-Rams Conor Meade and Kynan Rocks both started up front and looked impressive against their old club. Gavin Kavanagh almost headed the visitors in front late in the half but his header blasted over. Cobh created little in the way of chances in the half and the two sides went in level at the break to a subdued atmosphere.

The second half was much better and both teams began to up tempo. Birdsall made another great save from a Vinny Sullivan effort. Minutes later it was the Tralee man who came to the rescue again, saving from Kiely at close range. Cobh’s first real chance fell to Roy Kenny in centre midfield. He struck a superb effort from outside the box but Kevin Burns tipped it over the bar. Rob Waters had another chance for the Rams at the near post but once again ex-Cork City keeper Burns was equal to it. The best chance of the match fell to Waterford’s Brian Nolan on the hour mark. After a terrific save from Birdsall, the ball wasn’t cleared and with the goal gaping Nolan blasted over, to the dismay of the away fans behind the goal. Bobbi Donoghue found his way into the box after a skilful work but his tame effort was easily saved. Waterford really began to push for the winner in the last twenty minutes but the Rams defence marshalled by Craig Burns and Birdsall stood strong. A Waterford corner smashed off the post and was then cleared off the line by captain Martin Deady. In injury time Barrett had a glorious chance in the box but he shot over and his reaction told its own story. That was their chance and seconds later referee Shane Dunphy blew the final whistle.

Cobh will definitely be the happier of the two sides after holding on for a draw that could easily have been a loss. Blues boss Tommy Griffin will be disappointed with his team’s lack of conviction in front of goal. This was also down to the inspired Robert Birdsall though who was magnificent in the Cobh goal and has to be my Man of the Match. The two sets of fans were vocal throughout the match. Despite the lack of goals, it was an entertaining Munster Derby and a night that belonged to the two goalkeepers.

Both sides face Dublin opposition next week with Cobh travelling to Shelbourne on Friday while Waterford host Shamrock Rovers B on the same night.

Cobh Ramblers: Robert Birdsall, Sean O’Mahony, Craig Burns, Brendeán Frahill, Martin Deady, Bobbi Donogue, Alan O’Flynn (Jonathan Creamer 79), Roy Kenny, Ryan Goldsmith, Rob Waters, Keith O’Flynn

Waterford United: Kevin Burns, Thomas Croke (Conor Whittle 57), Kevin O’Connor, Gavin Kavanagh, Gary Delaney, Patrick Barrett, Vinny Sullivan, Brian Nolan, Willie John Kiely, Conor Meade (Jack Dohert 70), Kynan Rocks (Philip Drohan 61)

Report by Thomas Stafford