Treaty Aim to Return to Winning Ways Against Cobh

Treaty United will be aiming to return to winning ways when they welcome Cobh Ramblers to the Markets Field for their third home league game in the space of 7 days on Friday night (7.45). The Limerick outfit are searching for their first win in 5 games following two draws with Longford, a draw with Bray and two defeats at the hands of title challenging Galway United and Cork.

On Monday evening, Treaty played out a 0-0 draw with Longford at the Garryowen venue in the re-arranged Airtricity League fixture. It was the second draw between the sides in just over a fortnight and that was also a stalemate. Tommy Barrett has reverted to a now preferred 4-4-2 formation for the game with Conor Melody and Dean George playing as two strikers. The visitors dominated possession for long periods but were frustrated by a strong defensive effort led by Sean Guerins and Joe Gorman. In fact, Treaty had the better chances in the second period with Marc Ludden, Joel Coustrain and Sean Guerins all going close.

Ahead of the game on Friday, Treaty remain in fifth place and are three points ahead of 6^th place Wexford with a game in hand in the final play-off spot. Visitors Cobh have endured a tough season thus far as many predicted and are currently sitting in 8^th place just above basement side Athlone Town. Darren Murphy’s team are also searching for their first win in 5 matches. In the earlier meeting between the two teams at St. Colman’s Park, it was cagey affair with Treaty forced to settle for a 0-0 draw.

When speaking to the club’s official media team, Barrett acknowledged that Friday presents a good opportunity to get back to winning ways but admits it will be tough for his team; “Cobh are a good side and have scored a lot of goals recently so we certainly won’t be going into the game with any complacency, and we can’t afford to. There is so far to go, there is no point in looking at the table now and we have to just keep picking up points.”

The injury list is still a concern for Barrett as he looks set to be without Enda Curran and Jack Lynch once more for tomorrow night’s game. Also, Steven Christopher looks set to miss out. However, he does expect to have Mark Walsh back for Friday’s game while Kieran Hanlon began light training recently in his bid to return following prolonged absence. Joel Coustrain made an impact when he was introduced on Monday night following his return.

On the Women’s National League front, Treaty United face an uphill battle when they travel to Athlone Town on Saturday night (7pm). Athlone Town are the form side in the league with 5 wins in a row including a hugely credible victory over Peamount United last weekend. They are currently in 4^th place with former Treaty winger Gillian Keenan playing her trade for the Midlanders. Treaty are currently bottom of the league and without a victory this season.

To catch the views of our soccer analyst Noel O’Connor ahead of the Cobh game, see below.