Ramblers 3 – 4 Longford – Visitors snatch it late on

Former Manchhester Utd and Newcastle midfielder Keith Gillespie lines up a first half free kick — Former Manchhester Utd and Newcastle midfielder Keith Gillespie (far right) lines up a first half free kick

Ramblers let a 3-1 lead slip as comeback kings Longford left St. Colman’s Park with a 4-3 win. There were two changes from the Ramblers side that drew with Athlone Town. Brendan Frahill came in for Gary Collins at centre back and Bobby Donoghue replaced Alan O’Flynn on the wing.

It started brilliantly for the home side. They were two nil up inside seven minutes. Top scorer Conor Meade added to his tally when a fantastic cross from in-form winger Martin Deady was headed home by the ex-Avondale man. Davin O’Neill opened his account in the league this season when the ball came to him in the box. He powered home a great volley to the delight of the home fans. Rams keeper Robert Birdsall was forced into a magnificent double save as Longford got more into the game. A large contingent of Town fans had made the trip South and they were able to make their own noise when, from the resulting corner, William McDonagh’s header finished in the back of the net. Rams midfielder Andrew Bhandarkhar was forced off with an injury and he was replaced by the young Roy”Badger” Kenny. The first half ended 2-1 to the home side.

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Ramblers could not have started better in the second half. Winger Bobby Donoghue made a fantastic run down the right and his ball into the box was tucked home by Davin O’Neill. The former Cork City star getting his second of the night. Longford though did not give up and were the better side second half. On 64 minutes they started their comeback. David O’Sullivan ran down the by-line and produced a neat finish into the far corner. Then on 81 minutes Town were level. Mark Salmon’s header bounced off the post and into the net. Ramblers were shell shocked. It got even worse for Cobh in added time as Longford substitute Daniel Purdy’s well placed shot won the game in the dying seconds. It was a hammer blow to the Rams players as well as the fans. This result sees Ramblers stay in 6th place in the First Division while Longford have moved to the top of the table.

Cobh Ramblers: Robert Birdsall(GK), Adam Thompson, Brendan Frahill, Brian Fitzgerald, John Meade(C), Andrew Bhandarkhar(Roy Kenny 27), Mikey O’Shea, Bobby Donoghue(Alan O’Flynn 70), Conor Meade, Davin O’Neill.

Unused Subs: Shane Hallahan (GK), Ian Long, Gary Collins, Kynan Rocks, Jonathan Spillane.

Attendance: 705

Referee: Sean Grant

Ramblers’ next game is away to Salthill Devon on Friday April 5th. On Saturday 13th April they are at home to Mervue United.

Report by Thomas Stafford