Cobh Ramblers are on the road for the first time this season on Friday, visiting newly-relegated UCD in Belfield. The Students opened their campaign back in the First Division with a 1-1 draw in Wexford on the opening weekend, while Ramblers suffered a 2-0 loss at home to Drogheda United.

In a double boost for boss Stuart Ashton, midfielder Stephen O’Leary returns from the suspension that kept him out last week, while attacker Lee Devitt has had his red card from the Drogheda game rescinded. Video evidence found that the former Limerick man was not previously booked when he picked up a yellow card on 77 minutes, and as a result he should not have been dismissed. Hence he is available for selection.

On the injury front, captain John Kavanagh will be assessed closer to kick-off, as will Cameron Harlson who also missed the Drogheda clash. Conor Drinan also continues his recovery from injury.

Ramblers last win over UCD came in July 2017, with their last win in Belfield taking place in May of that season. The last meeting of the sides was a 2-2 draw in August 2018, with Chris Hull and Gordon Walker on the scoresheet.

Striker Cian Leonard will be hoping to retain his place in the starting eleven once again this week and when we spoke on Wednesday he was rearing to go come Friday night,

“Obviously it’s a massive game for us. We were disappointed to start the season with a loss last week at home but there were definitely some good signs as well. We matched one of the title favourites for an hour and that’s something that we can build on. It’s important that we keep working away in training and stay organised as a group. We want to show what we are capable of on Friday.”

Kick-off in UCD is at 19:45, Friday 28th February.