Cobh Ramblers' recent good record against Cork City on the line at St Colman's Park

Cobh Ramblers will look to keep their three match unbeaten run against Cork City going this evening when the two teams meet under the lights at St. Colman's Park, kick-off 7.45pm.

This streak goes back to a victory in the quarter finals of the Munster Senior Cup on the Great Island in February 2025, and it has been inflated by a win and a draw this season in the League of Ireland First Division.

Fran Rockett and his players will be looking internally in the build-up as they aim to course correct after recording just one win in their last three games.

This follows a 2-0 defeat to UCD last week at Belfield, a game decided by two Adam Wells free-kicks that Timothy Martin could only get a hand to.

The result means that Cobh remain in fourth place, with their play-off position helped by Wexford’s recent struggles as they have recorded two draws and two defeats in their last four games.

Kerry are also on the cusp of a breakthrough after registering three consecutive league wins over Athlone Town, UCD, and Longford Town since the midseason break. 

The Ramblers are six clear of Colin Healy’s side, but there’s plenty of time for that gap to shrink as summer turns to autumn.

Cobh can only focus on the here and now, and Rockett’s team will be welcoming City to the Great Island after taking four points off their great rivals already this season.

ON SONG

This began in March when Barry Robson and his players made the short journey full of confidence after a perfect start to the season, with three wins from three.

This manifested in a fast start that saw Ruairi Keating shoot wide at the near post and Cillian Murphy head the ball straight into the hands of Corey Chambers. City eventually took the lead through Sean Maguire, who was able to escape his marker and nod in at the far post in just the 12th minute.

The Ramblers wrestled in to take control of proceedings, but they struggled to get in and test Conor Brann.

Then came a Charlie Lyons foul on Cian Coleman in the 55th minute as the defender tried picking up the second ball from a corner. A penalty was awarded and slotted in by Rhys Gourdie, who sent Conor Brann the wrong way beside the home supporters.

City responded by going on the front foot, and Cobh buckled down to grind out the draw and take a point.

Their second meeting was even more exciting as Martin played one of his greatest ever games in claret and blue as the club recorded their first ever league win over Cork City at Turner's Cross.

The goalkeeper produced a string of excellent saves before a swift counter ended with a Rhys Brennan effort coming off Brann and grazing the arm of Fiacre Kelleher. The referee pointed to the spot and Dylan McGlade made no mistake when facing the Shed End, a moment that will forever be part of sporting folklore on the Great Island.

Ramblers went on to establish themselves as a side with serious play-off aspirations, after years of positive results being followed by stumbles down the league table.

Their overall form in pleasant reading going into the derby as the club have recorded just four defeats recorded in their last six games, including last weekend’s loss to UCD in Dublin.

The Ramblers enhanced their reputation during this stretch by transforming into a well-balanced outfit where individuals like McGlade complement the collective as opposed to holding all the responsibility.

Wilson Waweru is one of those who shares the burden in front of goal, with the striker after scoring four in his last five games, while Cian Coleman and Brennan have been creating chances for Cobh.

The club are expected to deepen their squad in the coming weeks with the departures of midfielder Jason Abbott and goalkeeper Chambers, and Callum Honohan returning to his parent club Shamrock Rovers.

Thinking about the squad is for Saturday morning, as local bragging rights are the current priority in Cobh.