Cobh ram nine-man Wexford aside to get title hopes back on track
Wexford's Ryan Butler and Cobh Ramblers Samuel Bellis tussling for possession. Picture: Patrick Browne
Cobh Ramblers moved up to second, just three points behind league leaders Dundalk after a comfortable win over Wexford at Ferrycarrig Park on Friday night.
With the league leaders held at home by Bray Wanderers, an impressive first half performance led by a brace from Barry Coffey got Cobh Ramblers back in the hunt for the League of Ireland First Division title.
It took less than five minutes for Mick McDermott’s Rams to hit the front, capitalising on a defensive blunder from the hosts. Jonas Häkkinen’s throw-in was misjudged, and Coffey was on hand to tap it in from close range.
They almost doubled that lead six minutes later when Coffey struck a spectacular effort from distance, his ambitious volley rattling the crossbar before bouncing back into play.
Their pressure told again in the 29th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Coffey stepped up and coolly sent Paul Martin the wrong way, slotting it into the far corner.
Cobh controlled the opening exchanges, stretching the play through wide men Cian Bargary and Sam Bellis, while Jason Abbott impressed in the number six role.
Youngster Luka Le Bervet put in a strong performance at left back, defending with confidence and making smart tackles. He supported the attack well.
The hosts forged a rare moment of supremacy in a first half dominated by Cobh – Ryan Kelly doing a brilliant job to skip in from the wing and fire it across goal. He would have been rewarded with an outstanding solo goal were it not from an even better goal line clearance from Cobh skipper Shane Griffin.
Wexford’s first genuine attempt on target followed – but Aaron Dobbs’ tame header was comfortably gathered by Timo Martin in the 41st minute.
The hosts began to build momentum before the break, their best chance falling just before halftime. Kaylem Harnett passed to Mikie Rowe who squared it for Dobbs — but his finish was wayward, letting Cobh off the hook.
On the resumption Cobh regained their footing and created two early chances – Coffey and Griffin both going close, but neither could convert. However, it was Wexford who carved out the next big opportunity. Dobbs dispossessed Griffin and set up Calum Flynn, but Flynn fired wide from close range. That lit the fire under Wexford but again it was a case of what could and should have been.
Dobbs came agonisingly close, his header too high and wide with only 28 minutes to go.
The extinguisher was brought out shortly after – but not by Rams. This time it was self-inflicted.
Ryan Butler was dealt a straight red for a poorly-timed tackle on Cian Murphy in the 70th minute. In the ensuing chaos Zayd Abada was shown a yellow card. He would receive a second caution eight minutes later, bringing a premature end to his evening.
That left Wexford down to nine. Two goals adrift, there was no way back.
P Martin; J Crawford, J Lyons, R Butler; R Kelly (T Almasry 86), R Scanlon, Z Abada D Levingston (C Flynn 51); M Rowe, K Harnett (M Imren 86); A Dobbs (c).
T Martin; L Le Bervet (J O’Donovan 88), Shane C Griffin (c), C Coleman, J Häkkinen; J Abbott; B Coffey, Shane W Griffin (M Carroll 88); S Bellis (N Evers 88), C Murphy, C Bargary (J O’Leary 81).
Jason Moore (Kilkenny)
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