Cobh Ramblers host Longford as LOI season nears conclusion

COBH Ramblers host Longford Town this evening as they look to mathematically secure third place in the table, and subsequently avoid a playoff semi-final with Waterford.

If the Rams win and Wexford fail to beat Kerry, the duel for third will be settled tonight, though it’s likely that it will come down to the penultimate round of fixtures as the two face off in Ferrycarrig Park next week.

As Cobh’s incredible season nears its end, manager Shane Keegan will be hoping his side can finish strongly and set themselves up with every chance of securing promotion to the Premier Division for the first time since 2008.

Last time out, the Ramblers suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to Bray Wanderers, with goals from Conor Knight and Chris Lyons enough to sink the Rams, despite a late consolation from centre-back Justin Eguaibor.

WINLESS

Longford are yet to beat the Rams in three attempts this season and have failed to find the net in each of their last three meetings.

A 0-0 draw at home in March saw Longford pick up their only point against Cobh this season, a stark contrast from the four wins from four they managed last year, as they finished fourth.

With playoffs mathematically secured at the east Cork club, Longford must get three points tonight if they are to have any hope of saving their season.

The Town have fallen away from the playoff race since their 1-0 win over Galway United last month, having only picked up one point from a possible 12 since then – a draw away from home against league debutants Kerry FC.

Last time out against Treaty United, Longford found an equaliser on the hour mark, but two goals in quick succession from Adam Lennon and Conor Barry crushed Town’s hope of a win, and though Derek Daly got one back late on, they ran out of time.

Their playoff hopes now hang by a thread, with Athlone eight points ahead in fifth.

Former Cobh Ramblers manager Stephen Henderson returns to St Colman’s Park for the second time this season, bringing with him former Rams striker Beineón O’Brien-Whitmarsh who departed the club at the start of the 2023 season.

O’Brien-Whitmarsh’s strong start to life in the midlands has fizzled out in recent weeks, with the striker scoreless in his last seven league games, but he’ll be itching to get one over his former club.

Liam Kervick made his return from injury last time out and was an unused substitute in the Rams defeat to Bray.

Pierce Phillips is likely to return to the squad tonight, while Tiernan O’Brien won’t be back before the playoffs, with up to four weeks of recovery still to go.