Cobh Ramblers 2 Galway United 1

COBH Ramblers head into the mid-season break on the back of this First Division victory over Galway United at St Colman’s Park but without their manager after Stephen Henderson stepped down after the game.

A statement released by the club on Friday night thanked Henderson for his service.

"The board of Cobh Ramblers reluctantly accepted Stephen's decision," it said.

"We would like to place on record our heartfelt thanks for all his work during his time at Cobh Ramblers

"Stephen played a key role in reestablishing Cobh Ramblers as a League of Ireland club and for that we will be forever grateful.

"An interim manager will be appointed in the coming day and the club will engage a thorough recruitment process."

In what was tight and competitive opening, Ramblers had the first sight of goal with a half chance.

Jaze Kabia played a wonderful ball across for Stephen Christopher and his cross picked out Ian Turner, who fired over from inside the box.

Chances on goal were proving to be at a premium, with both teams canceling each other out early on.

Midway through the opening half, Denzil Fernandes showed good footwork before crossing in search of Kabia in the box, Galway’s Maurice Nugent got a vital header away to avert the danger

For the visitors, the ball was worked to Shane Doherty in a promising position, but Cobh managed to clear.

In what was turning into a cagey affair, Galway player-manager Alan Murphy sought to take matters into his own hands, going close with an effort from outside the box.

They would rue that opportunity, as Ramblers went into the lead shortly past the half an hour mark in the contest.

Running well onto the end of a good through ball from Greg Henry, Denzil Fernandes showed good composure before slotting home with a cool finish.

That was enough to see Cobh hold the advantage going in at the half time break.

In the opening minute of the second half, Mark Hannon let fly with an effort on the edge of the box, but Ramblers keeper Paul Hunt was to deal with it comfortably.

During what was a strong spell for them, Galway went close again, when Nugent headed wide from a Shane Doherty throw in, as Alan Murphy also saw a free saved by Hunt.

For the hosts, Kabia blazed over from a Cameron Harlson through ball.

That was before Ramblers doubled their lead with their talented attacking duo combining.

Fernandes went from scorer to provider and crossing for Kabia, who duly headed home from a few yards out.

Ramblers nearly got a third in the 67th minute, as Harlson was just unable to get his head on the end of a Cristopher ball in.

Galway got a goal back though in the 68th minute. From a throw by Doherty, Stephen Walsh was to fire home inside the area.

The visitors had a decent spell as things edged towards the conclusion, with Jack Lynch blazing over from a well-worked move.

But Cobh, who saw Harlson head just over late on, managed to see the game out and claim victory.

COBH RAMBLERS: Paul Hunt: Ben O’Riordan, Charlie Lyons, James McSweeney: Stephen Christopher, Greg Henry, Matt Lamb, Denzil Fernandes, Kevin Taylor: Ian Turner, Jaze Kabia.

Subs: Cameron Harlson for Turner (54), Michael O’Rourke for Kabia (90).

GALWAY UNITED: Kevin Horgan: Christopher Horgan, Maurice Nugent, Cian Murphy, Stephen Walsh: Conor Melody, Alan Murphy, Mark Hannon, Dara Costelloe: Shane Doherty, Vinny Faherty.

Subs: Jack Lynch for Hannon (62), Conor Layng for C Horgan (74), Josh Keane Quinlivan for Costelloe (80).

Referee: Paula Brady (Dublin).