Cobh Ramblers secured their biggest win of the season on Sunday afternoon with a four goal triumph over Munster rivals Waterford United. A first half strike from Markus Gustavsson had the Rams 1-0 up at the break before second half goals from Eoin McGreevy, Ian Mylod and Jonathan Creamer secured the three points.
There were two changes from the side that had beaten Cherry Orchard a week previous. Rob Lehane and Markus Gustavsson both returned from injury, in place of David Curran and Jonathan Creamer.
Despite the best efforts of both sides, the opening was a tame affair and the game’s first chance came on 20 minutes, as Markus Gustavsson did well to round Kevin Burns but his finish let him down and was easily cleared. Stephen Henderson was forced into an early substitution as Rob Lehane was forced off through injury, being replaced by Stephen Christopher. Waterford’s first chance of the game fell to Anthony McAlavey. Left back Sean Byrne, one of Waterford’s most impressive players on the day, picked out the Corkman but his glancing header flew narrowly wide. McAlavey did have the ball in the net minutes later, it was ruled offside however in spite of his protests. The game’s opener arrived on 36 minutes. Eoin McGreevy found space on the left hand side, whipping in a ferocious cross. Markus Gustavsson was the only Cobh player in the box but it didn’t matter as the Swede controlled the cross neatly before side-footing home for his sixth of the season. The goal saw Ramblers head in a goal up at the break, on what was a perfect day for football at St Colman’s Park.
Cobh started the second half with real dominance and should have been two goals up when O’Connor’s perfect through ball found McGreevy, who disappointingly missed the target. He didn’t have to wait long for his goal however as substitute Creamer did well in the box before laying off for the ex-Cork City man to slot home. Jason Abbott was next to try his luck but his fierce shot flew just over. With the Rams well on top, club captain Kevin Mulcahy made a welcome appearance off the bench for his first appearance of the season, after a lengthy injury.
The third goal arrived on 63 minutes with Creamer once again the provider. The young striker caught Waterford on the counter before unselfishly squaring the ball to Ian Mylod who slotted home for his second of the campaign. David O’Leary had a rare chance for the Blues at the other end, forcing Paul Hunt into a decent save from range. Shane O’Connor was evidently trying to get in on the scoring act by now and his 45 yard lob almost caught Kevin Burns off-guard, the goalkeeper forced to parry the ball around the post. Goal number four did come just before the conclusion. Creamer once more caught the Waterford defence on the break, and just as it looked like he had pushed the ball too far, he produced an audacious chip over the on-rushing Burns to complete the rout. A deserved goal for the substitute. Ian Mylod and Stephen Christopher both had late chances to add to the scoring, but there were few complaints amongst the Cobh camp once the final whistle arrived.
Next week sees Ramblers at home once more. Cabinteely visit St Colman’s Park on Saturday with a 19:15 kick-off. Waterford meanwhile entertain Athlone Town.
Cobh Ramblers: Paul Hunt, Charlie Fleming, Ben O’Riordan, Chris McCarthy, Ian Mylod, Jason Abbott, Shane O’Connor, Cian Kingston, Rob Lehane (Stephen Christopher 18), Markus Gustavsson (Jonathan Creamer 45), Eoin McGreevy (Kevin Mulcahy 57).
Substitutes: David Browne, David Curran
Waterford United: Kevin Burns, Dean Reidy, Sean Byrne, Ian Sinnott, Colum Nugent (Shane Mackey 54), David O’Leary, Robert Buckley, Darren Murphy (Aaron O’Connor 45), Philip Gorman, Anthony McAlavey, Dylan McGuire (Eoin Rhodes 72)
Substitutes: James Dermody, Roy Butler, Richard Tobin, Corey Chambers
