Limerick FC Opposition Watch: Cobh Ramblers

Limerick FC welcome Cobh Ramblers to the Markets Field tomorrow night in the Airtricity League First Division in search of their first victory of the season (7.45).

Two scoreless draws at the Markets Field along with a 2-0 defeat to Bray sees the Shannonsiders sit in second bottom. It is very early days in the first division which promises to produce many twists and turns this season.

Friday night’s opponents have endured an eventful start to the season. They suffered an opening day 4-0 defeat to Drogheda United but that does not tell the story. Cobh’s transport to the game broke down en route to United Park and resulted in Stephen Henderson’s men being given just ten minutes to warm up despite their protestations.

Also, striker Cian Leonard was sent off on an abysmal opening night which saw the bus break down again on the journey home.

Cobh’s luck didn’t change during their first home game of the season as they lost 0-1 to Athlone Town. However, last week’s 6-1 win over basement side Wexford at St. Colman’s Park was a big boost ahead of the Munster derby on Friday.

There are a number of new recruits to the Rams squad that Limerick fans will be familiar with. Winger Ian Turner spent the majority of his career between 2014-2017 on Shannonside except for a year with Cork City.

Fellow winger Stephen Kenny won the first division title with the club in 2016 and also featured heavily under Martin Russell and Neil McDonald in 2017. Also, Cobh captain Shane O’Connor had a brief spell with the club in 2014 when he returned from England.

All three players will form an integral part of the side which lines out to face the Super Blues on Friday and are the most experienced players in a young Cobh squad. Much like the reliance on Williams, Tracy and Kelly at Limerick, the trio will be expected to lead from the front this season.

Cobh supporters have high hopes that striker Cian Leonard can get into double figures this season and he got off the mark against Wexford although Jaze Kabia started the game and bagged a brace and will almost certainly retain his place.

Tommy Barrett and Stephen Henderson know each other very well as Barrett was a key player for Limerick FC during many battles against Henderson’s Cobh and Waterford teams between 2005-2010.

Admittedly, the early message coming from both camps this year is that expectations must be curbed as both have such young squads at their disposal and with that comes inconsistency. Neither team are likely to put in a serious promotion push although a play off place is not out of reach for both.

It was a luxury which was ill afforded to Stephen Henderson when just two seasons ago, his Cobh team finished second in the league behind Waterford when just one team was promoted.

Henderson is a very popular character in the league and last season’s EA Sports Cup final achievement was a big achievement for the club despite losing out to Derry City.

Limerick and Cobh have already met in a friendly at St. Colman’s Park this season with Kieran Hanlon netting the winner for Tommy Barrett’s side. However, a different intensity will be brought to this game with just one point separating them in the league.

It will be the first of two meetings in four days for the teams as they will meet at St. Colman’s Park on Monday at 3pm in the re-scheduled EA Sports Cup fixture which was postponed at late notice over a week ago.

While it will be far from a season defining game for both at this early stage, both teams will fancy their chances of victory and will be desperate to climb the table. The victorious team will feel a huge relief whereas the team on the wrong end of the result will feel a sense of gloom.