Cobh Ramblers 2 Rovers 0

No joy for Rovers in Cobh...

Stephen Rice
in action in Cobh

A disappointing night for the Hoops as two second half goals gave a lively Cobh side all three points. Rovers started the game well with a Danny O'Connor header from a corner falling for namesake Sean but his shot went over. On 8 minutes a good run by Sean O'Connor saw him get to the bye-line to cross but Baker mis-hit his effort. Two minutes later Purcell headed over at the back post from a flick on by Danny O'Connor.

Rovers best chance of the half came on 22 minutes when a Baker corner saw Maguire stoop low to head goalwards but a defender cleared the ball off the line. There was 28 minutes on the clock when Cobh had their first effort on goal, a hooked shot from the edge of the area that went just wide. The home side however finished the half stronger. O'Reilly mis-kicked in front of goal before another chance fell the Ramblers way on 38 minutes when a header from a free-kick went close.

The game opened up in the second half and Rice ran across the Cobh area before shooting straight at Cobh 'keeper McCarthy. Baker hit a free-kick but again McCarthy claimed the ball comfortably. Barry Murphy then got down well to save O'Reillys low shot before Baker controlled the ball well just outside the box but saw his shot blocked.

Cobh took the lead just after the hour when a low cross into the box was directed into the top of the net by O'Reilly. Ger O'Brien took on a more attacking role and his cross was well taken by McCarthy on 66 minutes. Cobh had another chance a minute later when the number ten got in behind Ferguson but dragged his shot wide. Murphy then made a fine block from close range in the 70th minute.

Purcell did well in the 73rd minute to set up O'Brien and his cross was almost met by Danny O'Connor. A minute later the home side extended their lead when a free-kick to the back-post was headed across goal and Murray forced the ball home from close range. Rovers threw everything into attack and substitute John Martin crossed for Danny O'Connor to shoot in the 76th minute but McCarthy saved.

With the introduction of Alan Murphy in the 79th minute the Hoops went all out for a goal but despite some late pressure only Sean O'Connor's volley on 87 minutes troubled the Cobh 'keeper McCarthy.