St Colman’s Park once again played host to an epic thriller on Saturday night as Cobh earned a point against promotion chasing Shelbourne. In front of possibly the biggest home crowd of the season, Steven Kenny added two more outstanding goals to his tally for the year while Dylan McGlade and James English scored for the visitors.

Ramblers welcomed back Brendeán Frahill from suspension in place of James Furlong and there was one late change in the lineup as Ryan Goldsmith replaced Kynan Rocks. It was set to be Rocks’ final home appearance before his scholarship to Columbia University in USA. However, due to a quad injury sustained in the warm-up, it now looks likely that last week’s win over Waterford was his final game for the club.

Shelbourne tested Cobh right from the off, sending in numerous menacing corners. Despite looking vulnerable initially, Ramblers settled themselves down and soon began to produce attacks of their own. It was Cobh who then opened the scoring on 18 minutes through Steven Kenny. Stephen Christopher’s cross was cleared by the Shels defence but the high ball fell to Kenny and he excellently controlled inside the box before a quick turn and finish into the corner of the net. Shane O’Connor was next to try his luck but he fired over after an impressive counter attack. Young winger Stephen Christopher went viral online last week with his stunning free-kick and the U19 star almost scored another beauty but his long range effort curled narrowly wide.

The Rams were playing excellent football at this stage and it should have been 2-0 when Kenny’s knock down was just missed by the on-rushing Goldsmith. Shelbourne were left with scraps of possession in the opening half but they made it count just after the half hour mark. The impressive Dylan McGlade stayed cool under pressure from the Ramblers defence and rocketed a swift effort into the roof of the net from just outside the area. Philly Hughes had started the game quietly for Shels but late in the half he curled a neat shot inches wide of the post before Daly made a magnificent save from his free-kick. After an entertaining half, the sides went it level at the break.

The Dubliners took control of the second period as soon as the whistle began and they looked a different side from the first half. Jake Donnelly and captain Daire Doyle looked particularly impressive in the centre. They made their pressure count on 57 minutes when James English rounded the stranded Daly and made it 2-1 to the joy of the large contingent of away fans. It should have been level moments after however when Kenny glanced a free header wide from 5 yards. Thanks to the support of the large crowd, Cobh began to challenge Shels’ dominance with Abbott, O’Donnell and Goldsmith playing well. Their efforts were rewarded on the 77 minute mark when Kenny grabbed his second of the tie. The ball appeared glued to his feet as he dribbled past five Shelbourne players around the box before firing his shot past Murray. The goal saw a huge roar evolve around the ground, which was his seventh of the campaign. The ex-Waterford man was on fire now and he produced some more fine skill before setting up O’Connor. His effort let him down though and it remained 2-2. The game was set up for a grand stand finish and the home supporters were on their feet when Abbott’s vicious strike late on was palmed around the post by Murray. That proved to be it at St Colman’s and one of the most entertaining games all season finished 2-2.

Cobh stay in fifth place in the table, two points ahead of Athlone. Shelbourne are one place above the Rams in fifth place, with eight points separating the two sides. Next week sees the beginning of the final round of fixtures as Ramblers travel to UCD and Shels visit Finn Harps.

Cobh Ramblers: Eoghan Daly, Adam O’Sullivan, Brendán Frahill, Kevin Mulcahy, Anthony O’Donnell, Jason Abbott, Stephen Christopher, Chris McCarthy (Graham McCarthy67), Ryan Goldsmith, Shane O’Connor, Stephen Kenny
Substitutes not used: Shane Hallahan, David Curran, Jakub Bury, James Furlong, Danny Barry

Report: Thomas Stafford