Credit: Larry McQuillan (ETPhotos)
Enda McGuill U19 Cup Preview: Cohh Ramblers -v- Dundalk
- Dave Donnelly
- Tue, Aug 15 2017
COBH RAMBLERS U19
Cobh Ramblers welcome Dundalk to St Colman's Park for the second Enda McGuill Under-19 Cup semi-final (kick-off 7.30pm) with a showdown against UCD the prize.
Cobh have reached the last four for the first time since 2014 when, under coach Martin Cambridge, they beat Drogheda United in the final to lift the prestigious trophy.
Dec Coleman's side overcame Bohemians in a five-goal thriller in Dublin that went all the way to extra time before defender Gordon Walker grabbed the decisive goal.
The Rams previously dispatched Munster rivals Waterford in round two, winning 3-1, after receiving a bye in the first round.
They're also in good form in the league, where they sit just a point behind top-of-the-table and defending league champions UCD in the Southern Elite Division.
“At the start of the season we were targeting success in both the league and the cup so we’re happy to still be on course for that,” Coleman told the club's official website.
“While we are more concerned with players stepping up to the first team and being good enough for that, we would love to get some silverware along the way.
“Having a home tie gives us a good chance of reaching the final. We haven’t played Dundalk before and they are a bit of an unknown to us but we’ll still back ourselves to get the job done.”
Top scorer Dave Hurley and Ryan O'Regan are both available after returning to full fitness.
DUNDALK U19
Like their hosts, Dundalk remain in the hunt on both league and cup fronts.
The Northern Elite Division side will arrive in Cobh in high spirits having won away to local rivals Drogheda United at the quarter-final stage.
The Lilywhites defeated Monaghan United-Cavan Partnership in the first round back in April before defeating Bray Wanderers in round two last month.
And Martin Connolly's side bounced back from an early concession to comprehensively beat Drogheda 5-1 at United Park in the quarters ten days ago.
“We met Drogheda with the same objective to start off well,” winger Carlton Ubaezuono told the club's official website.
“We actually conceded within the first few minutes but then knowing our team, our team is very strong so we kept the head up.
“I was happy enough to contribute to scoring and playing my part in helping us get to the semi-final so I am happy with that.”
Defender Eric Whelan added: “It’s really exciting to be in the semi-final. It’s going to be a really tough game as they are first in the Southern Section but I really fancy it.
“I don’t think it really makes a difference if we have played them before as we prepare the same for every game. Obviously they’re a strong side but we just have to focus on ourselves.”
Referee: TBC
BETTING
N/A
PREDICTION
Cobh Ramblers U19 2 – 1 Dundalk U19
Cobh Ramblers U19
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Dundalk U19
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
