James O’Leary goal sends Cobh Ramblers into playoff final

Wexford earned a draw but Shane Keegan's side progress.

Sat, 28 Oct, 2023 - 19:11

Jack McKay

Cobh Ramblers 1 Wexford FC 1

James O’Leary’s dramatic equaliser was enough to see Cobh through and into the playoff final against Waterford, as they dispatched Wexford 2-1 on aggregate in St Colman’s Park on Saturday evening.

The Rams were the better side in the first 20 or so minutes but had little to show for it, and Wexford took command of the game and eventually the lead after 35 minutes, when James Crawford let loose on the edge of the box with a volleyed effort from the outside of his left boot.

Though Lee Steacy got a touch on it, it wasn’t enough, and Wexford’s goal levelled the two-legged contest. The away side almost went in front three minutes on, as Crawford this time looked to be the creator, but Oluwa couldn’t direct his attempt at goal.

As the rain fell so did Ramblers’ confidence, and they struggled for the remainder of the half, but crucially, the scoreline remained unchanged.

They improved in the second half, but Wexford had a great chance to double their lead as Oluwa led a threatening counterattack, but as was the case several times on the night, his shot was wide of the mark.

After 75 minutes Cobh finally found their breakthrough, as Jack Doherty delivered a brilliant ball across the box that evaded two Wexford defenders and the goalkeeper, before falling straight to James O’Leary who made no mistake.

He scored the all-important goal, smashing it in from close range to the delight of St Colman’s Park.

Wexford wouldn’t lie down and take it though, and they fought hard to get a second, but time was against them.

Darragh Levingston looked to get them back in it with a long-range shot, and Steacy spilled it. With Wexford’s Aaron Dobbs fast approaching, it was Brendan Frahill who reacted first, clearing away the danger, and the hosts held on for a huge result.

COBH RAMBLERS: Steacy; Lyons, Frahill, Larkin; Browne, Phillips (Byrne 89), Abbott, O’Leary (O’Brien 82); Waweru, Doherty, Rowe (Holland 85).

WEXFORD FC: Mason; D Levingston (Hanratty 82), Browne, O’Malley, Webb; Boyle, Lovic (C Levingston 86), Corbally, Crawford (Furlong 82), Dobbs, Oluwa.

Referee: M Lynch