Waweru goal hands Cobh the advantage 

ONE UP: Cobh celebrate Wilson Waweru's first-half goal against Wexford FC in Ferrycarrig Park. Pic: Jim Campbell

Wexford 0 Cobh Ramblers 1

A Wilson Waweru goal handed Cobh Ramblers a crucial advantage to take into the second-leg following this composed victory over Wexford FC in their First Division play-off first-leg at Ferrycarrig Park.

The two teams have been inseparable all season with a win apiece, along with two draws, with both teams looking back on what has been a fine season so far, but still determined to to qualify through the play-offs.

Wexford were last in the Premier Division back in 2016, when ironical they were managed by current Cobh manager Shane Keegan, being relegated straight back down the following season.

Cobh Ramblers have been one of the surprise packets of the First Division, making them favourites to achieve a victory from this game.

Cobh looked lively through the opening stages pressing the home back four restricting Wexford to quick counterattacks from deep.

Cobh took the lead as early as the fourteenth minute. 

Having forced a free kick some twenty-five metres out, Jack Doherty brought an excellent out of keeper Charlie Heffernan at the expense of a corner. Mikie Rowe floated over an excellent ball that was headed home by the unmarked Wilson Waweru leaving it 0-1.

Wexford almost stole an equaliser four minutes later. 

Corban Pipers shot looked destined for the net but keeper Steacy got down late to deflect the ball around the post for a fruitless corner.

Cobh came close to adding to their opening goal on the half-hour mark. 

Darragh Levingston was yellow-carded for a foul on Waweru some thirty metres out from goal. 

Doherty floated the kick over the defence with the in-rushing Waweru getting his foot to the ball but straight at keeper Heffernan but Cobh must have been happy going in with a 0-1 interval lead.

Wexford showed more urgency on the resumption, with keeper Steacy bringing off a fine double save from Aaron Dobbs and Kian Corbally, before Dobbs headed the following cross just over after 53 minutes.

With Wexford struggling to make a real impression, it was Cobh who were playing the more composed football.

Wexford in desperate need of a goal introduced both Mark Hanratty and Danny Furlong in an effort to break down the visitor's back four where Charlie Lyons was outstanding in stifling the home attack.

With Jack Doherty controlling the midfield, Cobh comfortably held out for a crucial victory.

Wexford FC: Noel Heffernan 7, Darragh Levingston 7, Ethan Boyle 6 Luke Browne 5 (Danny Furlong 73), Cian O'Malley 7 James Crawford 7, Corban Piper 6 (Luke Lovic 7, 46), Kian Corbally 6 (Mark Hanratty 73), Reece Webb 6, Aaron Dobbs 7, Thomas Oluwa 6.

Cobh Ramblers: Lee Steacy 7, Cian Browne 7, Justin Eguaibor 7, Charlie Lyons 6, Wilson Waweru 7 Pierce Phillips 6 (Alec Byrne 75), Jack Doherty 8, Mikie Rowe 7 (Luke Desmond 75). Dean Larkin 7, James O'Leary 6, Jason Abbott 7.

Referee: Alan Patchell.