Henderson delight as Cobh claim top spot after Shels win

Cobh Ramblers boss Stephen Henderson was evidently delighted that his side climbed to the top of the First Division table with a 1-0 win over Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Friday evening. 

Waterford’s draw with UCD meant that Cobh’s win was enough to see them leapfrog both sides and into first place, though it is not the first time Henderson’s side have been top this season.

“Psychologically it’s a great boost,” Henderson told reporters after the game. “This is the second time we have managed to perch ourselves up there.

“I don’t think we reacted well last time we went top of the league, but as we keep saying about the boys, and it is the truth, it’s a learning curve for them; it’s an experience.

“Last time we went top, we then went to Cabinteely and they spanked us 4-1. We didn’t play well in any shape or form there.”

Henderson admits that nerves crept into his players when they last topped the table, but given the number of teenagers in the Ramblers’ squad, he accepts that nerves are going to play a part. 

“You have to remember that we have 17, 18 and 19 year olds,” he added. “The majority of our team are teenagers, so they do get a bit nervous but we’re trying to teach them the game.

“Development is learning how to play the game on its merits, defending when you have to defend, attack when you can; dealing with certain situations, like being top of the league.

“That’s a psychological thing and we didn’t deal very well with it last time but can we deal with it a little bit better now? That’s development. 

“It’s all part of the development model that we’re trying to work here. The fact that we’ve gotten ourselves to the top of the league is a great bonus, but we know there’s a long way to go.”

Next up for the Henderson’s league leaders is another away trip to face Athlone Town.