Ramblers travel to Bray Wanderers this Friday night in the club’s final game of the 2022 First Division season. With the play-offs out of reach both coastal sides will be looking to end the year on a high ahead of a hopefully improved 2023.
The duo have met three times this year, with the Rams picking up a 3-1 meeting in July’s most recent meeting. Prior to that they drew 1-1 in the Carlisle Grounds and Bray were 1-0 winners in Cobh on St Patrick’s weekend.
The Wicklow venue hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Ramblers in recent years, with the club yet to record a win there in the 21st century. Shane Keegan will be looking to put that right on Friday against a Wanderers team that have suffered three losses on the bounce.
In terms of squad news, Harlain Mbayo is suspended after his red card at home to Longford while Michael McCarthy, Conor Drinan, Pierce Phillips and Beineón O’Brien Whitmarsh are injury concerns.
Manager Shane Keegan spoked ahead of the tie, and about his work ahead during the off-season
“The game against Bray at home earlier this season showed that there’s little between the teams. It was a close one that night and we came out on top after some good goals. It will be a tight one again on Friday and it’s about coming out the right side of that.
It’s a big year for the club and we’ll be disappointed with the league finish but it’s great to have the Munster Cup there. Next year is about trying to reward the committee, the volunteers, the supporters for all their efforts and everything that they’ve put in.
My pre-season for 2023 starts on Saturday. I’ll be at games having a look at what’s out there. There’ll be a lot of hard work for when we come back in January and put us in a more competitive place for next season.
Kick-off in the Carlisle Ground is at 19:45 and the game is live on LOITV here.
While the season may be coming to end, the Cobh Ramblers events are in full swing in the weeks ahead. The Academy are having a Race Night fundraiser on Friday October 21st in the clubhouse. On Saturday November 5th a Cobh Ramblers v Cork City Legends Centenary game will take place at St Colman’s Park.
Friday November 25th sees the Centenary Dinner Dance take place in the Radisson Blu Little Island before the Cobh Ramblers Christmas Market on Saturday December 3rd!
