Cobh Wanderers great escape from MSL relegation is one of the talking points from the season

It seemed like the greatest escape in MSL history as Cobh Wanderers secured premier division football next season, a feat half way through to season, no one would have predicted.

While earlier games in the season didn’t reflect on performances, four points after 10 games was what counted and it was a worrying sight for Stephen Henderson's young but tenacious side. 

Confident that their performances didn’t reflect on results, they managed to keep their patience, rallied together and an impressive eight game unbeaten run towards the end of the season was just enough to keep them safe from relegation.

Henderson's passion for his squad was evident throughout and none more so in the difficult days but his players soon rewarded him, luck changed and performances resulted in victories and with each win, confidence grew and the boys went on a superb, pressurised run in which every game was like a cup final and Henderson spoke highly of his players’ attitude.

“Our results early on didn't reflect the performances,” said Henderson. 

"We played some good football but results didn't go our way and unfortunately for our young side it took a period for them to adapt to the physicality of the league. 

"We had three or four players playing men's football for the first time. 

"Following ten defeats in a row we went back to basics and made ourselves difficult to beat. 

"We ended up going on an eight game unbeaten run to ensure our premier division status and that is a credit to each and every one of the players. 

"They have given myself the coaches and the club their all over the last few games. 

"They have played with injuries and through the pain and they are genuinely a pleasure to coach and to around.” 

A key figure for the East Cork side was goalkeeper Mark Power. 

Relief and pure joy was how the 37 year-old father of two felt having avoided relegation.

“So many had written us off and that’s understandable based on points on the table so knowing we had managed to stay up and avoid relegation was such relief and pure joy,” said Power.

“We avoided relegation having been bottom of the table for three quarters of the season but to be fair it was a false position as were playing really well but had no luck in games. 

"For me, the team showed great character. We never gave up as we always believed we were a good side however we did have to rely on other results up to the last game of the season. 

"Great for the neutral not so enjoyable for us,” laughs Power.

“Like most teams we met obstacles throughout the season. 

"It seemed the worst we’ve had for injuries, every week there was a different player injured, we never had a settled staring 11, some players went down to the junior team and others left and signed for other teams which took its toll on a small squad. 

"The gap was 20 years between some players 17-37 but in the end it proved our mixture of youth and experienced blended really well when needed most. 

"Where we lacked on physicality, we made up for it technically and vice versa but by the end of the season I felt our younger lads matured a lot and this proved to be the difference as they matched the opposition on all aspects of the game.” 

While at one stage the goalkeeping position was a worry as Power was injured and former league of Ireland keeper Paul Hunt was called upon, Henderson spoke about the importance of having Power back from injury, in what he stressed was a crucial part of the clubs survival at the top tier.

“Mark came into his own at a critical time in the season. His experience and ability was huge for us. 

"With young goalkeepers they can make poor decisions at critical times but unlike outfield players these decisions lead to goals. 

"Mark's decision making especially in dealing with set pieces played a huge part in the run to survival. 

"It was great to finish the season strong as we now look to build for next season with the hope of having a better start than we did this year.”