Wexford Youths continued their excellent run of form with a hard-earned win against Cobh Ramblers at St Colman’s Park on Saturday night. A Stephen Last header on the brink of half time ensured that the visitors stole the spoils. Cobh remain rooted to the bottom as their quest for their first victory continues. This loss has also put an end to their unbeaten run at home.
The Rams made two changes from their clash with Shamrock Rovers B. Martin Deady returned in the place of Anthony O’Donnell at left back while Keith O’Flynn replaced Jonathan Creamer up front.
A minute’s silence was observed before the game in memory of Aurley McMahon, wife of former Cobh manager Liam McMahon who famously guided the club to the semi-final of the FAI Cup in 1983 as part of his 21 year reign in charge. The flags at the ground were also flown at half mast.
Ramblers were definitely the better side early on. Despite the inclement played some nice football and really should have made their superiority count. Young winger Ryan Goldsmith went close with a terrific volley but it was well saved by Youths keeper Graham Doyle. From Bobbi Donoghue’s resulting corner Brendeán Frahill had his towering header parried away by Doyle in the Wexford goal. Minutes later Rob Waters headed narrowly wide when it looked like the ball was going to roll in, to the dismay of the Cobh supporters. Wexford’s first chance of note fell to Dean Broaders but the Kilkenny native could only fire over from close range. Stephen Last had a goal ruled out for offside soon after. The defender looked to have scored but linesman Ken Hennessy ruled it out for offside. Goldsmith and Donoghue continued to cause problems for the Youths defence but couldn’t find the finished product on a couple of occasions and this would come at a cost. Wexford took the lead against the run of play in added time during the first half. Cobh failed to deal with a corner and Stephen Last bundled the ball home to give his side the lead. The referee blew up for half time moments after and the Rams went in behind at the break.
The second half was lacklustre in comparison to the first and the game began to get scrappy. Wexford talisman went on a great run but his shot cannoned across the goalmouth and whistled wide. Keith O’Flynn had a good effort on the turn saved by the in-form Doyle at the other end. Wexford were continuously giving away fouls throughout the half and a red card was inevitable. Forward Craig Wall was given his marching orders on 80 minutes after a horrible lunge on Brendeán Frahill. Ramblers pushed for the equaliser and launched long ball after long ball into the box but to no avail. Wexford stood strong at the back and could not be broken down despite their numerical disadvantage. Waters went closest but it was an easy save at his near post for Doyle. The game petered out after that and it finished 1-0 to the visitors.
Overall, not the most exciting game at St Colman’s Park and a game where Cobh could definitely have gotten something from. Luck is important in football and it just shows on nights like this. Wexford maintain their march towards promotion and their impressive run of form continues. They are now up to second in the table. Cobh meanwhile await their first win of the campaign but can draw motivation from tonight’s first half display.
The sides won’t have to wait long until they meet again. The face each-other on Monday evening at Ferrycarrig Park in the second round of the EA Sports Cup. A quarter final place is at stake but both managers are expected to ring in the changes for the tie.
Cobh Ramblers: Robert Birdsall, Sean O’Mahony, Craig Burns, Brendeán Frahill, Martin Deady (C), Bobbi Donoghue (Jonathan Creamer 77), Alan O’Flynn, Roy Kenny, Ryan Goldsmith, Rob Waters, Keith O’Flynn
Substitutes: Eoin Hastings, Shane Hallahan, George Gill, Cian Murphy, Jonathan Spillane, Anthony O’Donnell
Wexford Youths: Graham Doyle (C), Peter Higgins, James Dermody, Killian Cantwell, Stephen Last, Craig Shortt, Shane Dunne, Eric Molloy, Danny Furlong, Craig Wall, Dean Broaders (Sean Skelly 70)
Substitutes: CJ Browne, Ryan Delaney, Shane Nolan, Ben Ryan, Daryl Power, Danny Niekis
Report by Thomas Stafford
