Mark Byrne the hero as Cobh suffer last-gasp defeat

Mark Byrne's goal late on settled the game for Treaty. File picture: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

LOI First Division: Treaty United 2 Cobh Ramblers 1 

Cobh Ramblers’ hopes of landing a First Division title have been dealt a blow following a 2-1 defeat to Treaty United at the Markets Field.

Mark Byrne’s strike minutes from time proved decisive as Treaty emerged victorious and the Rams were left to rue numerous missed chances.

It’s a missed opportunity for Cobh who could’ve trimmed the gap between themselves and leaders Dundalk, especially after the Lilywhites suffered defeat to Bray Wanderers.

Sloppiness from Cobh almost gifted the hosts the lead two minutes in. Lee Devitt intercepted Shane Griffin’s pass before curling his shot wide from inside the box.

Excellent goalkeeping from Corey Chambers denied Cobh the opening goal on the stroke of half-time.

Niall O’Keeffe collected Shane Griffin’s corner kick and his volleyed effort was repelled by the Treaty shot stopper in impressive fashion.

Cobh fell behind five minutes into the second half. Connor Wilson scored with a first-time effort after collecting Colin Conroy’s perfectly-weighted cross inside the box.

The visitors restored parity on 57 minutes as Cian Murphy scored his seventh goal of the season.

The striker collected a long ball and calmly fired low to the net beyond the onrushing Corey Chambers.

Cian Murphy could’ve added a second goal for Cobh on 74 minutes; his glancing header went wide after connecting with Cian Baragry’s right-wing gross.

Cobh threatened to score again six minutes later. John O’Donovan teed up Whelan but the latter couldn’t direct his diving header on target.

Brian Cunningham came on for his Treaty debut midway through the second half and was the architect for the winning goal three minutes from time.

He found fellow substitute Mark Byrne unmarked inside the box and the latter found the top corner of the net with a curling shot.

Joe Hanson could’ve embellished Treaty’s victory right at the death, however his 20-yard effort trickled wide. Treaty held on for a precious win nonetheless.

Elsewhere, UCD secured a 3-1 victory over Finn Harps, while there was nothing to separate Wexford and Athlone.