Cobh Ramblers 'aren't going to roll out the red carpet' for Cork City clash

The first Cork Derby of the season will take place this evening at St Colman's Park between Cobh Ramblers and Cork City, 7.45pm.

Both clubs will go into the game with a point to prove, after two very different starts to their retrospective campaigns in recent weeks.

Cork City are league leaders after going three for three in February while Cobh sit in seventh place with four points collected.

The thing with the Rebel Army is a convincing performance after an uninspiring outing against Bray last week at Turner's Cross.

City did control proceedings and take an early lead through a Sean Maguire header at the St Anne's Stand, but there was no second that could have killed the game off despite their possession. 

Bray were also able to get through on a number of occasions on the counter, their issue was finding a pass that would have really opened up the home side when it looked like something was coming together.

Fiacre Kelleher was able to clean up when needed, while Greg Bolger helped keep the ball high up the pitch. 

Lack of pace is the issue there, something that could be exposed by a group with two strikers or wingers able to work in a front three or a similar system.

Cobh have been working on something in that vein, by getting Wilson Waweru to play with Kai O'Neill and/or Claudio Osorio or Dylan McGlade. There could be something there, especially given the fluency in a group that has worked closely together since early January.

As for Cobh, they want to make a point against their near rivals. 

This message holds an important place in the minds of those that once played football at Turner’s Cross; Cian Coleman, Shane Griffin, Garry Buckley, and Dylan McGlade. 

Callum Honohan will be in a similar position after coming through the Rebel Army's academy and choosing to move to Shamrock Rovers, and the League of Ireland champions decided to send the defender on loan to St Colman's Park last winter.

That sentiment is well known in sport; and how it can elevate a group. Cobh Ramblers experienced exactly that during the last derby as they buckled down and stopped Cork City getting a second before David Bosnjak scored twice late on to get the win in the quarter finals of the Munster Senior Cup at St Colman's Park.

The Ramblers are now out for their first league win over their near rivals since 2021, when Jake Hegarty hit the back of the net from close range. Cobh have since caused City problems, their issue has been seeing a game out when it looks like there’s a real chance of a result, like the 3-2 and 2-1 defeats during the 2022 season. 

There was some payback in Munster Senior Cup finals in 2022 and 2023, which offers a small sense of consolidation to supporters in this fixture.

Cobh manager Fran Rockett wants to use the occasion on Friday to build on recent performances following a victory over Longford Town at Bishopsgate and a scored draw with Finn Harps at St Colman’s Park.

“We couldn't be happier with the performance level [against Finn Harps],” he explained. 

“It's just a clinical nature maybe, just to make sure that we can see out that game.

“We were outstanding last week [against Longford Town]. But I think this game, there won't even need to be a team talk for this game on Friday. "The boys know what's expected of them in terms of that.

“And look, maybe the narrative is around City and if they have the league won and all that. 

But look, they're coming here, so we're not going to make it easy for them or roll out the red carpet. We're looking forward to it.

"And we're seeing it as a great challenge. 

"And build on the Finn Harps performance, because I thought we were outstanding.” 

A near capacity crowd of 4,000 is expected at St Colman’s Park for the derby, and many will have divided loyalties over relationships with players and memories of days out on the Great Island or at Turner’s Cross. 

A feisty encounter is expected.