Cobh Ramblers Touted as potential title challengers at the beginning of the campaign, Cobh Ramblers currently find themselves clinging to the hope of a play-off spot at the mid-season break. Lying in eighth position, Ramblers have lacked the consiste
Cobh Ramblers
Touted as potential title challengers at the beginning of the campaign, Cobh Ramblers currently find themselves clinging to the hope of a play-off spot at the mid-season break. Lying in eighth position, Ramblers have lacked the consistency to threaten the current top teams of UCD, Drogheda United and Shelbourne.
Manager Stephen Henderson, who almost resigned in April, has an extremely young squad at his disposal and it is felt that Ramblers have not yet “clicked” this season. Their slow start, which did not see them win a home game until May, has left Rams constantly playing catch up. Simply, Ramblers have played some excellent football both home and away but have failed to be rewarded with points and this shows in the league table.
On the positive side, an excellent run in the EA SPORTS Cup has seen the Cork side reach the semi-final where they will entertain Dundalk in August. Ramblers defeated Wexford, Limerick and Longford on their way to this stage and will be hopeful of causing the Premier Division side some problems when they visit St. Colman’s Park.
Mid-Season Rating: C
Despite the young age of this team, Ramblers have the ability to give any team in the First Division a tough match. The central issue for them is their failure to convert chances, Ramblers have only scored 15 goals this season. If this can be fixed and some level of consistency found, expect Stephen Henderson’s men to make a late charge for fourth place.
Best Player: Anthony McAlavey
Signed days before the beginning of the campaign from Waterford FC, McAlavey has been a driving force in Ramblers midfield throughout the season. The creative midfielder is often at the centre of all of Ramblers positive plays and his passion, energy and commitment in every game is highly commendable. A player that has future captain written all over him, if Ramblers do make a surge for the play-offs McAlavey will be at the heart of it.
Most Promising Newcomer: Denzil Fernandes
Cobh have very young squad made up of some exciting new talents such as Cian Leonard, Jaze Kabia and David Hurley. However, former Cork City U-19’s player Fernandes has been central to Ramblers resurgence of late. The fast winger is a nightmare for all defenders and he was pivotal in the recent victories over Wexford FC and Athlone Town.
Area That Needs to be Strengthened: Striker
If Cobh Ramblers want to challenge in the second half of the season they need to find a goal-scorer. Although Cian Leoanrd (4 goals) and Andrew Wall (2 goals) have acquitted themselves well, Ramblers have not found the net enough this campaign. Defensively improving, a midfield that is getting better every game, if Cobh Ramblers start taking their opportunities then they will have a say on the final league standings come September.
