Match Preview: Town v Cobh 06/08/22

Match Preview: Town v Cobh 06/08/22

By Kieran Burke

It took a few weeks but finally, new Cobh Ramblers boss Shane Keegan tasted success with the Rams as the Islanders put Bray Wanderers to the sword in a 3-1 win at St Colman’s Park. Another narrow defeat against local rivals Cork City would follow in the FAI Cup but given Longford’s recent struggles against the sides below them in the table, this may be a fixture Cobh feel they can take something from. Despite winning both previous meetings this season, Longford had to work extremely hard for 4-2 and 2-0 wins against Ramblers this year and can be under no illusions that this will be anything other than tough going.

In a recent interview, Shane Keegan admitted he had used his early games in charge of Cobh to see exactly what he has to work with but having finally cracked the code in that 3-1 win at home to Bray, we now may start to see more consistency from Ramblers. As for the hosts, despite plenty of signs of encouragement with a late win over Waterford and a strong first-half display against Dundalk last week, the way Town folded to concede four goals in nine minutes albeit against a very good Dundalk side must be of concern. Truthfully, the recent Midlands derby defeat at home to Athlone still lingers in the mind of many and if Town are to nail down a play-off place they need to put that result behind them and go on a run of consistent form.
 
A trip to struggling Bray follows this match before another home game against fellow promotion chasers Wexford so on paper at least, this looks like a good opportunity for De Town to go on a good run of form.
 
SSE Airtricity League First Division
Longford Town FC v Cobh Ramblers FC
Saturday 6th August 2022
KO: 7.30PM
Bishopsgate
Live on LOI TV.
Tickets are available here.