League Preview: UCD -v- Cobh Ramblers

• Dave Donnelly
• Fri, Sep 22 2017




UCD

UCD welcome fellow vanquished title contenders Cobh Ramblers to the Belfield Bowl for their final home game of the 2017 First Division season (kick-off 7.45pm).

 

Collie O'Neill's side saw their challenge for the one promotion spot tail off disappointingly early in the season and are mathematically out of contention for second.

 

However with Longford Town and Cabinteely both six points behind them, the Students need at least a point to seal third place.

 

Last week saw O'Neill's charges draw 1-1 in Longford, while Monday night saw the Students agonisingly miss out on a Leinster Senior Cup final spot on penalties to Dundalk.

 

“I would like to congratulate Waterford on clinching the league title last weekend.

 

“They have been the best side in the league this season and deserve to be going up, and best of luck to them next season in the Premier Division.

 

“Although the league is now decided, I am expecting a very tough game against a strong Cobh Ramblers side.

 

“Both sides will be looking to finish the season on a high and put down a marker for next season.

 

“All three games between us this season have been tight games with Cobh coming out on top each time 1-0, so we will definitely be looking to put things right this time around and claim the three points.”

 

O'Neill will be without Georgie Kelly after he limped off in the first half against Dundalk, while Cian Kavanagh also picked up an injury as a sub and Evan Osam is injured.

 

Daire O'Connor and Ben Hanrahan are also doubtful as the Students end the season with somewhat of an injury crisis.

 

 

COBH RAMBLERS

Cobh's outside chance of sneaking the title were snuffed out last week with a demoralising 3-0 defeat at home to Cabinteely.

 

A Joe Doyle brace and a third from Dean Casey earned Cabo a deserved three points at St Colman's side.

 

It brought to an end another season in which Stephen Henderson's young side have performed well above expectations in spite of losing players to rivals clubs and scholarships.

 

Despite possession a fraction of the budget of high-flying Waterford, both Cobh and UCD pushed the Blues hard and will be well-placed to compete in an expanded division next year.

 

For now, Henderson will be hoping to finish on a high by completing a clean sweep over th e Students before entertaining the champions on the final day.

 

There is no team news from Cobh.

 

 

Referee: Damien McGraith.

 

 

MATCH STATS

The sides have met three times so far this season, with Cobh edging out the Students 1-0 on each occasion.

 

Ben O'Riordan scored the only goal at Colman's Park in April, while Matthew Whelan scored the winning at both the Bowl and in Cobh in May and July.

 

 

BETTING

UCD 6/5; Draw 23/10; Cobh Ramblers 21/10.

 

PREDICTION

UCD 1 – 1 Cobh Ramblers

 

 

UCD

Injured: Cian Kavanagh (back), Georgie Kelly (ankle), Evan Osam (hamstring).

Doubtful: Ben Hanrahan (flu), Daire O'Connor (calf).

Suspended: None.

 

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.