Cobh Ramblers entertain First Division champions Shelbourne on Friday night in the club’s final home game of the season.
Confidence is high in the Ramblers camp on the back of last week’s 2-1 win at Cabinteely, thanks to goals from Danny O’Connell and Jake Hegarty. Shels drew 1-1 with Athlone in their last outing.
These sides have met twice so far this year. The Dubliners won 2-1 at St Colman’s Park, while in Darren Murphy’s first league game in charge Cobh impressively drew 2-2 at Tolka Park. Ramblers’ last win over Shelbourne came August 2019.
Having already secured the league title, Shelbourne will receive the First Division trophy in their final league tie at home to UCD. Former Ram Denzil Fernandes remains in the Shelbourne ranks and has now picked up two league medals in three seasons.
In terms of squad news, Ian Turner and Regix Madika are both back from suspension but Nathan O’Connell must serve two more games. Pierce Phillips and Conor Drinan returned among the substitutes last week and will be looking to get some action this time around. Charlie Lyons remains absent through injury.
Manager Darren Murphy was understandably in upbeat mood when speaking to the media earlier this week,
“Shelbourne are the champions for a reason, they’re a really good side. But from our point of view we want to make Colman’s Park a fortress. No-one gets an easy game down here. We’ve prepared well and it’s an opportunity for our players to go out and represent themselves and their club against the champions.
Whatever squad Shels put out, whether it’s fringe players who are looking to impress, they are quality. We won’t be thinking that makes it an easier game. We got the win last week and need to carry that form on now.
I’d love to see a full crowd on Friday night. We’re getting the whole squad to bring their friends and family down for the last home game. It will be a good game and looking at training and the recent games, I reckon this will be us at our best.”
Kick-off on Friday night is at 19:45, with the game being streamed live on LOITV here.
