Ramblers bid to keep promotion dream alive

Two goals down going into the decisive away leg of their First Division promotion play-off against Drogheda United, the situation looks pretty daunting for Cobh Ramblers.

But manager Stephen Henderson is adamant if his team can strike first in United Park tonight then it’s still all to play for.

“If we get the first goal then it’s game on again. The lads were devastated last week and didn’t need any ranting and raving from me. It was silly of us but then again no one expected us to be in the play-offs.

“We have to go again tonight and see if we can get a foothold and, as I say, the first goal could be vital. It was like old times in Cobh last week and it would be great if we could give the fans another night out or two.”

For a game in which Ramblers and Drogheda are competing for the right to play Wexford Youths for a place in the SSE Premier Division, Cobh have defender Chris McCarthy back from a ban to replace the suspended Cian Kingston but will still be without the injured Ben O’Riordan and Jason Abbott. Better news for the visitors is, although both players are nursing knocks, Henderson expects Rob Lehane and Garry Comerford to be ready.

For Drogheda, midfielder Sean Brennan is suspended as Pete Mahon’s team look to make the most of their first leg advantage in front of a packed house at United Park.

“We’ve been drilling it into the players this tie is far from over,” says the manager. “We are only really at half-time so anything can happen. I’d expect Cobh to come at us with everything they have.”

Meanwhile, three-in-row champions Dundalk sign off on another memorable league campaign at home to Galway United tonight, with the 2016 SSE Airtricity Premier Division trophy presented at full time at Oriel Park.

Not that Stephen Kenny and his players will have much time to celebrate – Thursday they play Zenit in St Petersburg in the Europa League followed by a ridiculously quick turnaround before they face Cork in the cup decider at the Aviva on Sunday week.

For tonight’s coronation at Oriel Park, skipper Stephen O’Donnell remains a doubt with a hamstring strain.

Runners-up Cork City travel to Bray for their final night, with manager John Caulfield hailing his side’s efforts in again pushing Dundalk this year but also expressing the hope they can finish the season on a high with victory in the Cup final.

“This year’s team is a phenomenal team,” he reflects. “We scored more goals than in the previous two and we have kept 21 clean sheets in the league so far but, unfortunately for us, it did not get us the league. There are a lot of positives but, as I keep saying, the bottom line is that people want silverware. The lads know places in the starting side and on the bench for the cup final are up for grabs.”

Tonight’s remaining Premier Division fixtures:

Finn Harps v Bohemians, Finn Park; Longford Town v Shamrock Rovers, City Calling Stadium; St. Patrick’s Athletic v Derry City, Richmond Park; Sligo Rovers v Wexford Youths, The Showgrounds. All games 7.45pm.