Preview: Cobh Ramblers vs Bohemians

• Bar OSullivan
• Sat, May 10 2008




Cobh go into Saturday's game with second placed Bohemians looking to extend their unbeaten home record. So far this season all of the Ramblers six points have been garnered at St Colemans. Bohs have looked more comfortable away from home this season and with four wins and a draw from five games have picked up more away points than anyone else.

A draw would lift the home above Finn Harps into tenth place whereas three points would move them out of the relegation zone. With St Pats only managing a draw on Friday night against UCD, Pat Fenlon's side have the chance to close the gap to four points.

Cobhs only win this season came when they defeated Shamrock Rovers by two goals to nil. Their performance that day was magnificent and if they can play that well against Bohs then three points should follow.

Since the win over Rovers they have lost by a single goal to both Pats and Bray and played out a scoreless draw against UCD. Pete Mahon admitted they should have been out of sight by half time in that game and that his side were very fortunate to pick up a point.

Cobh manager Stephen Henderson rightly feel his side should have a few more points on the board - "Make no mistake about it we are a very good side and I know I am repeating myself but the results are not a true reflection of how we have played this year. We truly have had no luck this year and I genuinely feel our luck is about to change".

Bohs win over rivals Shamrock Rovers at the beginning of April was their third win in a row - however since then their form has been a bit patchy. They were lucky to escape with a point against Bray at Dalymount and manager Fenlon had no problem coming out after that came and saying that his team simply didn't put enough effort in.

Since then Fenlon has been happy with his sides work-rate but results could have been better. They deserved their two one win in United Park over Drogheda but a week later in Dalymount were second best to an attacking Derry side. They drew that game against the Candystripes and a point was all they managed the following week in Belfield - although they could have easily been two or three up at half time and really should have won the game.

Fenlon is well aware that Saturdays game will be far from easy. "We know we are in for a real test because Cobh have not lost at home in eighteen months. They are a physically strong side but they have not sacrificed skill for power. I think that Stephen Henderson has worked wonders down there and I expect a very hard-fought game".

Bohs haven't scored a goal from open play in their last five league games - although they did score four against Dundalk in the League Cup last Monday.

Cobhs strength in depth is set to be put to the test. They will be without four players that may well all have started were they available. Striker Graham Cummins and central midfielder Shane Barrett are suspended. Recent signing Brian McCarthy is injured, although he couldn't have played anyway as he is on loan from Bohs. Captain Alan Carey is also ruled out through injury.

Apart from long term injury casualties Kevin Hunt and Thomas Heary, Bohs have a fully fit squad to choose from.

Kick off at St Colemans is a 7.45pm