Jason Abbot strikes twice as Cobh Ramblers defeat Kerry

Cobh Ramblers 2 Kerry FC 1

A pair of Jason Abbott goals helped Cobh Ramblers on the way to the victory against Kerry FC at St Colman’s Park on Friday night.

It was the second win in succession for Gary Hunt’s side, who are commencing the rebuilding for 2025.

Ramblers, who came into this contest off the back of an away victory against Athlone Town, were awarded a penalty early on after Matthew McKevitt was taken down by Kerry goalkeeper Antonio Tuta in the box. Abbott assumed the spot-taking duties and dispatched his effort confidently to the back of the net in the 8th minute.

Kerry had their first chance of note on 18 minutes when Nathan Gleeson got a low shot away, which was comfortably saved by Ramblers goalkeeper Darragh Burke.

The visitors got back on level terms in the 22nd minute, when Cian Brosnan pounced to clinically finish, after reacting quickest to get on the end of an underhit back pass from Cobh player Luka Le Bervet.

Kerry now had the momentum and they almost went ahead through a low Nathan Gleeson strike on the half-hour mark, while Brosnan threatened on 38 minutes following a McGrath cross.

David Bosnjak looked to get a shot away on the stroke of half-time for Cobh, but Kerry blocked down well through Valerii Dolia.

Former Cork City man Oran Crowe went close with a strike from distance for Kerry in the 54th minute.

The away side went close again on the hour, when a lovely pass by Gleeson found McGrath in the box, but Le Bervet made a vital interception for Cobh just as the trigger was about to be pulled.

Heading into the final twenty minutes, David Bosnjak went close for the hosts with a shot from the edge of the box.

However, Ramblers went back into the lead shortly afterwards. From a peach of a corner kick by James O’Leary, on hand was Abbott to head impressively to the net.

McGrath was played through on goal for Kerry on 83 minutes but was unable to find the target.

Next up for Cobh is an away trip to face Longford Town on Saturday. That is before Ramblers conclude their 2024 League Of Ireland First Division season with a home game against Bray Wanderers on October 18.

COBH RAMBLERS: Darragh Burke; Michael McCarthy, Brendan Frahill, Dean Larkin, Matthew McKevitt, Jack Larkin, James O’Leary, David Bosnjak, Dale Holland, Luka Le Bervet, Jason Abbott.

Subs: Regix Madika for O’Leary (71) , Pierce Phillips for Bosnjak (72), Tiernan O’Brien for McKevitt (80), Nolan Evers for McCarthy (81).

KERRY FC: Antonio Tuta; Sean O’Connell, Oran Crowe, Andrew Spain, Ethan Kos, Sean McGrath, Valerii Dolia, Nathan Gleeson, Cian Brosnan, Finn Barrett, Cian Barrett.

Subs: Andrew Kerins for Brosnan (h-t), Tom Healy for C Barrett (65), Rob Vasiu for F Barrett (79).

Referee: David Dunne.