League Preview: Cobh Ramblers -v- Drogheda United

Cobh Ramblers

Ramblers and Drogheda begin their First Division campaign on Saturday when the Boynesiders make the trip to Cork (kick-off 7pm).

Stuart Ashton’s side could be up against it in their opening fixture with United beating Ramblers in each of their 3 meetings last season.

Cobh suffered a set back last week when they were dumped out of the Munster Senior Cup by Carrigaline United and Stuart Ashton will be hoping his side can put up a decent fight against Saturday night’s visitors.

“We’re definitely looking forward to it,” Ashton told the club’s website.

“Training is going well, there’s a real buzz around the place at the moment and we hope to put on a good display in front of the fans on Saturday night. 

“The Carrigaline game was a setback, but we’ve dealt with that in training and it’s behind us. Drogheda are a good side, we know that, but Colman’s is a tough place for any side to come and we’re ready.”

The home side will be without the suspended Stephen O’Leary who carries over a one match ban from last season. John Kavanagh is a doubt after picking up a knock against Carrigaline United. Cameron Harlson, Bryan Murphy and Mikey Foley will all go through late fitness tests ahead of Saturday’s game.

 

Drogheda United



United are taking the ‘favourites’ tag into their first game of the season and having beaten Cobh 3 times last season Tim Clancy’s side will surely be looking to lay down a marker on Saturday night.

Clancy is cautious heading into the game in St Colman’s Park.

“It’s difficult to gauge it to be honest,” he told the club’s media team.

“We haven’t seen a lot of Cobh. It’s hard because a lot of the games in Munster are usually on the same nights we are playing.”

Of their last meeting of 2019 the manager said, “It was a tight game last year, it finished 4-2 in the end but it was very tight for long periods.

“I’d be expecting the same again now the first day of the season, they’ll be right up for it.



“It’s important we get down there, express ourselves, play with a lot of energy from the very start, get a foothold in the game and something to build on from the very start.”

Drogheda will be without their first choice goalkeeper, Luca Gratzer, after he picked up a foot injury during pre-season.

 

Referee: Oliver Moran

 

 

MATCH STATS

Drogheda United beat Ramblers in all 3 meetings last season.

The Boynesiders have actually beaten Ramblers 7 times in a row with Ramblers last victory coming in October 2016.

Cobh’s Ben O’Riordan is in line to make his 100th appearance for the club.

 

 

BETTING

Cobh Ramblers 16/5; Draw 11/4; Drogheda United 4/6.

 

PREDICTION

Cobh Ramblers 0–1 Drogheda United

 

 

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: None.

Doubtful: John Kavanagh, Cameron Harlson, Mikey Foley, Bryan Murphy.

Suspended: Stephen O’Leary.

 

Drogheda United

Injured: Luca Gratzer.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Suspended: None.