Match Report Cobh Ramblers 2 Bray Wanderers 1

 

Bray’s attempt to win five league matches in a row for the only the second time since entering the League of Ireland back in1985 ended in a defeat as they went down narrowly to Cobh on Friday. On a night when Ramblers officially opened their new all-weather pitch at St. Colman’s Park, Peter Grogan equalled the club record of scoring in five consecutive games. 

 

But the game turned on a four minute spell midway through the second period. Grogan was fouled in the box in the 63rd minute. But Shane Griffin saw his penalty saved by Darragh Burke. Then in the 66th minute, Dale Holland received the ball off right-wing through in. He low centre appeared to take a deflection and divert the ball past Stephen McGuinness at his near post. In truth, Wanderers dominated possession. And had the better chances. 

But failed to take them – which saw the recent four-game winning run come to an end. 

 

From the team who’d defeated Kerry 2-0 at the Carlisle Grounds last week, there were two changes to the line-up. Defender Jamie Duggan made his full senior debut for the club while Conor Knight was restored to the right wing. Callum Thompson returned from injury to take a place amongst the substitutes along with Zayd Abada.  

 

The Seagulls got off to best possible start and took the lead after just 90 seconds. Griffin found Kieran Cruise wide left. He tried to go in between two players into the box. The ball ran free. Grogan reacted to steer a low close range left footed effort between Burke’s legs to the net. 

In doing so, he joined Colm Tresson (2000) and Ger Pender (2016) in scoring in five consecutive games. But the Cork side levelled in the ninth minute. 

Charlie O’Brien’s cross from the right was headed clear. But from 20-yards out, Beineon O’Brien Whitmarsh lashed a rising shot to the net. 

Burke turned Harry Groome’s – on his 50th appearance for the club – half volley around the post on the half hour. 

 

Five minutes after the interval, McGuinness made a fantastic block to thwart Pierce Phillips after a free into the box had run kindly for him. 

Moments later at the other end, Burke scrambled Grogan’s header away from the foot of the post and out for a corner. The keeper then saved Griffin’s 25-yarder on 56 while sub Cristian Magerusan was off target from distance on 61. After the penalty and Ramblers’ second score, Burke saved Griffin’s 20-yard free with 15 minutes to go. Then with seven minutes of normal time remaining, Griffin whipped in a free from the left. Burke couldn’t gather and Grogan’s back post volley was going in only for the covering Brendan Frahill to clear off the line. 

 

Cobh Ramblers: Darragh Burke; Charlie O’Brien, Brendan Frahill, Dean Larkin, Cian Browne; Jason Abbott; Jack Larkin, Pierce Phillips (James O’Leary 70); Dale Holland, Beineon O’Brien Whitmarsh (Liam Kervick 90+4); Matthew McKevitt. 

 

Subs not used: Michael McCarthy, Justin Eguaibor, Nolan Evers, Dan McKay, David Bosnjak, Alessandro DeSanctis, Senan Dorgan, 

 

Bray Wanderers: Stephen McGuinness; Max Murphy, Jamie Duggan, Paul Murphy, Evan Osam (Zach Nolan 78); Conor Knight (Cristian Magerusan half time), Darren Craven (Guillermo Almirall 78), Harry Groome, Kieran Cruise (Thomas Morgan 78); Shane Griffin; Peter Grogan (Zayd Abada 85). 

 

Subs not used: Callum Thompson, Ben Clark 

 

Booked: Max Murphy 65, Paul Murphy 77, Grogan 84. 

 

Referee: Mark Moynihan (Dublin). 

 

Pictures: CobhSports.ie