For the first time since March 7th Cobh Ramblers are in action in St Colman’s Park, hosting Galway United on Saturday night. While the capacity at the ground is limited to 200 people, including players and staff, due to Covid-19, Stuart Ashton and his side will no doubt be delighted to finally return to the familiar surroundings. Our thanks to Tennants Building Supplies for their sponsorship of this our opening game back in St Colman’s Park.
A 0-0 draw in Bray restarted Ramblers’ campaign in solid form last week, with Galway losing to Cabinteely and drawing at Athlone in their two fixtures since the return to football. At present just a point separates the sides in the First Division table, Cobh on four points in seventh and Galway a place further back after three draws in four outings.
The Rams will definitely be without the defensive duo of Kevin Taylor and Ben O’Riordan on Saturday night. Taylor remains out with an ankle knock while O’Riordan serves a one game ban after being sent off in our final pre-season friendly against Cork City. On a brighter note fellow defender Darryl Walsh has recovered from injury and he will battle the likes of Jamie O’Sullivan and Stephen O’Connor for a start in the absence of O’Riordan. Darragh Crowley, last week’s loan arrival from Cork City, made his debut off the bench in Bray and could make his first start on the night.
Manager Stuart Ashton gave his views on the match earlier this week,
“It’s a tough league and every game is a battle. That’s what we’re expecting. They played again on Monday and you might think that gives us an advantage, with the extra rest, but I don’t think that’s the case. They’ll be glad to get the extra game in and get that bit more match fitness. We’re looking forward to the game, we want to express ourselves, enjoy our football and show what we’ve been working on.”
Defender Darryl Walsh also spoke to the media prior to the game,
“Anyone can take points off each-other in this league. It’s early days and everyone wants to prove a point still at this stage. For me personally, it’s been a bit of a disruptive start at the club with injuries and illness but I’m feeling good now and it’s all to play for with the play-offs and promotion spots up for grabs. As a group we don’t fear anyone in the league and we know we’re good enough to get three points.”
Attendance on the night is limited to season ticket holders, but a full streaming service will be provided on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kpz2ILOV_p4. Commentary on the night will be provided by Trevor Welch and former Ramblers player and manager John O’Rourke. The game is available to stream free of charge, with donations greatly appreciated via our PayPal link https://www.paypal.me/cobhramblers.
Kick-off on Saturday night is at 19:00, with pre-match coverage on YouTube beginning at 18:45.
