Cobh Ramblers can extend unbeaten run against Kerry FC 

Cobh Ramblers will look to stretch their unbeaten to three games when they face Kerry FC at Mouthawk Park, 7.45pm.

This follows a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Finn Harps in Ballybofey and a 3-3 draw with Athlone Town at Turner’s Cross. Everything is going in the right direction for Gary Hunt and his players, especially after Jack Larkin hit the back of the net in Donegal last Friday evening. 

The squad is now focused on a meeting with Kerry, who are one of the most dogged teams in the division.

The manager knows the fixture in Tralee will be a challenge, and it was on his mind on the bus home from Donegal.

“I’ve always said it since I came into the group – they are a good honest group,” he told the club’s media team.

“Maybe they have lost players from last season and they never once talked or moaned about that. They only speak about what is here in the building. This is the character of the group and it is going to get us points this season, and we have quality.

This result will mean nothing if we don’t kick on and build on it. We’ll enjoy the trip home and our attention will turn to Kerry next week.” 

The Kingdom will be looking build on a scored draw with Athlone Town last week at the Athlone Town Stadium.

That was Kerry’s first result of the league season and came just four days after a 4-1 victory over Treaty United in the semi-finals of the Munster Senior Cup.

Cobh Ramblers actually faced the Kingdom in the quarter-finals of that competition, and Hunt’s team lost 1-0 at Mounthawk Park. Hunt’s side started well during their first meeting with Kerry, and they should have taken an early lead when Sean McGrath brought down Liam Kervick and a free-kick was awarded to Cobh. 

Jason Abbott had his goal-bound shot saved, and this was followed by Matthew McKevitt narrowly missing the target. Kerry weren’t without chances, and they almost went ahead during the final few minutes of the first half. 

Steven Healy created that opening by playing a long ball over the top to Daniel Okwute, and an attempt by the winger was blocked by Justin Eguaibor.

A close-range Antonio Tuta strike decided the game, and Cobh were dumped out of the Munster Senior Cup. The Ramblers picked themselves up, and found form in games against Athlone Town and Finn Harps. 

Kerry will be a different challenge, as there is a real derby feel about the fixture and their players are buoyant after last week’s performance in Westmeath.