Coffey brace eases Cobh to comfortable win over Wexford

The win keep Cobh in the top three. 

TOP THREE: Cobh Ramblers turned in one of their best displays of the season that enabled them to comfortably see off a disjointed and disappointing Wexford FC challenge in this Division 1 game played at Ferrycarrig Park. Pic: Patrick Browne

SSE Airtricity First Division: Wexford 0 Cobh 2 (Coffey 5’, 29’)

Cobh Ramblers turned in one of their best displays of the season that enabled them to comfortably see off a disjointed and disappointing Wexford FC challenge in this Division 1 game played at Ferrycarrig Park.

Wexford were looking to bridge the gap on the top three but did not get the start they needed as the visitors took control from the openingvexchanges.

Cobh who have hit a rich vein of form showed great composure as they moved the ball about stretching the homeside at every opportunity.

It came as no surprise when Cobh took the lead in the sixth minute having exerted all the early pressure. They opened their account when Shane Griffin flicked on a long throw with Barry Coffey managing to force the ball through a crowded goalmouth to make it 0-1.

With Wexford struggling all over the the pitch the visitors came close to extending their lead but Shane Griffin's long range effort rebound off the crossbar with keeper Martin well beaten.

As Wexford still to get a direct shot on goal it was Cobh who extended their lead on the 28th minute when Coffey found the net from a penalty after Coleman had been brought down as he cut into the area making it 0-2.

Wexford came more into the game in the minutes leading up to the break but Dobbs saw two efforts on goal go agonisingly wide, but it was Cobh who took a deserved 0-2 lead into the break.

Five minutes into the second half Cobh came close to extending their lead when a Murphy cross beat keeper Martin but Daragh Levingston got back to head off the line to safety.

As Cobh contined to control the both Coffey and Griffin came close with efforts to extend the lead only to see their go just outside the right post.

Wexford's struggles continued in midfield and they failed to threaten a dominant visitors back four such was their control they should have extended their lead.

Wexford's night went from bad to worse when Ryan Butler was straight red carded on 69 minutes for a dangerous tackle leaving them with little chance of rescuing the game.

Wexford's play became somewhat of a shambles for two minutes later they were reduced to nine players when Zayd Abada was dismissed for a second yellow card.

For Cobh it was a comfortable three points to keep them in the top three.

Elsewhere, UCD and Longford played out a one-all draw while Athlone were two-nil victors at Finn Harps.

Wexford FC: Martin, Crawford,, J Lyons, Rowe, D Levingston (C Flynn 60), Dobbs, K Harnett, Abada, Kelly, Butler, Scanlon.

Cobh Ramblers: Martin, Griffin, Bernard Coffey, Murray, Coleman, Hakkines Griffin, Le Bencet, Abbott, Bellis.

Referee: Jason Moore.