Cobh Ramblers face Wexford Youths for the first time in three days this Saturday in the SSE First Division. The teams will then meet on Monday in the second round of the EA Sports Cup in Ferrycarrig Park.

Despite their lowly position, the Rams are unbeaten at home this season. They will draw confidence from this but it will be no easy task against Wexford. The visitors have been the surprise package in the league this year and they are currently second in the table, behind Shelbourne.

Cobh lost 3-1 away to Shamrock Rovers B last time out in what must be said was a poor performance in Tallaght. Wexford meanwhile had a superb 1-0 victory over leaders Shels and this has really made people take notice of them. Eric Molloy grabbed the winner late on to shock the table-toppers.

These two sides will need no introduction to each-other with Wexford winning 3-2 earlier in the season. Rob Waters scored for Cobh in that game and his second goal, a penalty, last week means that he has amazingly scored half of Ramblers goals this season.

One player who has drawn plaudits despite Ramblers difficulties is Alan O’Flynn. The former Midleton player has been used in midfield recently and is enjoying his new role. He had this to day ahead of the clash. “It’ll be a tough game but we’ll be heading into it hoping to get the three points. Hopefully this will be the game that kick-starts our season and we can push on from this.”

Andrew Bhandarkar remains out with his long term groin injury for the Rams. It is hoped that Sean O’Mahony returns from the toe injury that forced him off against Shamrock Rovers.

Some of the Ramblers players went around to the local primary schools during the week, giving out free tickets to Saturday’s game. This is a great incentive and should boost the attendance.

The last six games between these sides have seen 24 goals which is an average of four goals a game. This bodes well for another entertaining night at St Colman’s Park!

Elsewhere in the division, Galway play host to Waterford, Finn Harps are at home to Shamrock Rovers B and Longford visit Shelbourne.

Cobh Ramblers: 

Injured:  Andrew Bhandarkar

Doubtful: Sean O’Mahony

Suspensions: None

Wexford Youths:

Injured: NA

Doubtful: NA

Suspension: None

Venue: St Colman’s Park

Kick Off:  7:45pm

Preview by Thomas Stafford