Cobh Ramblers host Kerry in final league game before playoffs

COBH Ramblers will contest their final league game of the season tonight, as they finish the season against the team they started against – Kerry FC. 

Unlike their first game, this is at St Colman’s Park, but Shane Keegan’s men will have their eyes on their first playoff clash with Wexford on Tuesday as they travel to Ferrycarrig Park for the away leg.

Last time out, the Rams drew 3-3 with soon-to-be playoff opponents Wexford. Early goals from Mikie Rowe and a Jack Doherty penalty put the Rams up 2-0 within the first 20 minutes, but Thomas Oluwa responded with a penalty of his own, getting the Youths back in the game before the short whistle.

Wilson Waweru’s strike on minute 50 looked to seal the deal, but Conor Levingston got one back in the 72nd minute before his younger brother Darragh equalised five minutes later.

The result was enough for Keegan’s side, who have now guaranteed third place in the league and will play at home for the second leg of their playoff semi-final.

Kerry impressed last time out against a struggling Waterford, drawing 1-1 with a Blues side who have now won once in their last five games, a concerning run of form as they brace for the playoffs.

A goal from skipper Leo Gaxha was cancelled out in the second half by Waterford’s Ronan Coughlan, who netted league goal number 32 this season, his first since returning from injury and one that ensured Kerry finished the year without a single home victory.

While Ronan Coughlan’s exceptional goalscoring record this year marked the most First Division goals in a single season ever last week, Ramblers’ Jack Doherty also added number 18 to his tally against his former club Wexford, making him the highest-scoring Cobh Ramblers’ player in an individual league campaign.

FIRST-SEASON WOES

Kerry have picked up just three points from a possible 54 in their last 18 league games, while the Rams have four in their last two.

It’s no doubt been a difficult start to life in the First Division for Kerry, but to their credit, they have steadily improved as the season has gone on.

They’ve only managed one win all year though – a 3-2 away victory over Athlone Town. However, Kerry did hold the Rams to a 2-2 draw last time out in Mounthawk Park. The only previous meeting between the two at St Colman’s Park resulted in a 4-1 win for the Rams.

Pierce Phillips made his return to the Ramblers’ starting line-up last time out in their draw with Wexford, while Tiernan O’Brien is expected to be out for up to two more weeks. Issa Kargbo is still out with an injury and won’t feature either.

Cian Barrett is out for the newcomers after sustaining an injury two weeks ago against Wexford, while Rob Vasiu’s withdrawal in the eighth minute against Waterford last week means he’s unlikely to feature tonight against the Rams.