League Preview: Shelbourne - v - Cobh Ramblers

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne cast their FAI Cup exploits aside when they take on the challenge of Cobh Ramblers in the SSE Airtricity First Division at Tolka Park on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm). 

Shelbourne go into this fixture playing for pride knowing their slim hopes of challenging for the solitary promotion spot in the SSE Airtricity First Division are now gone but they are buoyed after their comprehensive 3-0 win over in-form Waterford in the FAI Cup at the Regional Sports Centre last Friday evening.

The Reds advanced to the next round and a Dublin derby against Shamrock Rovers thanks to second half goals from Chris Lyons, Jamie Doyle and James English.

Shels produced a gallant display after especially after going down to 10 men following the dismissal of Niall Lanigan midway through the second half. Goalkeeper Dean Delany proved to be the hero when he denied Waterford an equaliser saving David McDaid’s spot-kick.

Shels extended their unbeaten run to three matches in the league and cup with the scalp of Waterford in the FAI Cup last week and boss Owen Heary will be hoping that his side will be spurred on by that excellent result and produce a similar result on Friday night.

Shelbourne boss Owen Heary has a number of selection headaches to contend with as both Reece McEnteer and Aaron Ashe are out injured while Dean Delany and Aidan Collins are doubtful.

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh Ramblers make the long and winding journey from the south up to the capital in search of a win to stay hot on the heels of SSE Airtricity First Division leaders Waterford.

The Rams were left licking their wounds after being dumped out of the FAI Cup at the first hurdle by Limerick who rattled in three first half goals to romp to a comprehensive 3-0 win.

Ramblers have been in good league form in recent weeks with the men from the Rebel County managing four wins in their last six league matches over Longford Town, Wexford, UCD and Athlone Town with two defeats at the hands of Waterford and Cabinteely.

The Rams boss Stephen Henderson will be hoping that his side can put aside the disappointment of last week’s cup exit and continue their purple patch in the league by taking all three points back to the South and keep their promotion prospects alive.

Referee: John McLoughlin

MATCH FACTS

Shelbourne and Cobh Ramblers have met each other three times in the SSE Airtricity First Division with nothing to choose between them with the first match finishing 1-1 at St. Colman’s Park in March, Cobh grabbed a 1-0 away win at Tolka Park in April with Shels getting revenge in the last meeting with a 1-0 win down in Cobh.

Shels and The Rams have met each other 22 times in all competitions since 1994 with little or nothing between them with 6 wins apiece and 10 draws.

Shelbourne scored 26 goals averaging 1.18 per game while Cobh Ramblers managed to find the net 20 times averaging 0.91 per game.

BETTING

Shelbourne 5/4; Draw 12/5; Cobh Ramblers 19/10.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 2-1 Cobh Ramblers

Shelbourne

Injured: Reece McEnteer, Aaron Ashe

Doubtful: Dean Delany, Aidan Collins

Suspended: None

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: NA

Doubtful: NA

Suspended: NA