Kerry close in on historic play-off place with victory over Cobh

Kerry have moved up to fourth

Cian Brosnan scored Kerry's second goal against Cobh Ramblers. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

SSE Airtricity First Division: Cobh Ramblers 0 Kerry 2 

Kerry FC are on the cusp of securing play-off football for the first time in their history after a 2-0 victory over Cobh Ramblers at St. Colman’s Park.

Colin Healy’s side had to win on the Great Island and they got the job done to move up to fourth with goals from Cian Bargary and Cian Brosnan.

The Ramblers now need a result on the final day against Treaty United in Limerick while hoping other results go their way, if they are to compete in the play-offs for the third time in four seasons.

Kerry will probably also need something on the final day in their meeting with champions Cork City at Mounthawk Park.

The Kingdom put themselves in this position with one of their best performances of the season, and their reward for a fast start was Bargary’s curling effort into the Liam McMahon Stand in the 21st minute.

Kerry doubled their lead in the 34th minute from a mistake by Timothy Martin and Brosnan looped the ball in on that occasion.

Kerry almost got a third in the dying seconds before the break from an O’Connell free, but the ball was curled safely into the hands of the Cobh goalkeeper on that occasion.

The game restarted with a Shane Griffin free-kick that went wide and Martin pushing away an effort by Sean McGrath.

The Ramblers kept going and managed to win a free-kick on the hour mark, a set-piece that was flicked inches away from the intended target by Oran Crowe.

Rhys Gourdie took it upon himself on a number of occasions to try and get something going. Nothing landed on a night where everything went wrong for Cobh.

The Kingdom simply rejoiced with history within reach for Healy and his players next week against Cork City.

Elsewhere in the First Division play-off race, Bray came from two goals down at home to Wexford to draw 2-2. Bray remain in second. Third-placed UCD were held at home by Longford, who occupy fifth place and the final play-off spot, ahead of Cobh on goal difference. Athlone, a point behind Longford and Cobh, were beaten 2-1 at home by second from bottom Treaty United.

Cobh Ramblers: Martin; Lenihan (Adenopo 85), Frahill (Honohan 60), Coleman, Le Bervet; Crowe (Stjernberg 69), Mansfield; Griffin, Gourdie, McGlade (McCormick HT), Adeyemi.

Kerry: Connor; Aladesanusi, Brookwell, Hakkinen, O’Connell; Lee, Borden; Bargary (Keane 90), McGrath (Healy 88), Brosnan (Perez 74); Murphy.

Referee: Oliver Moran