Dundalk earned their place in the second round of the FAI Cup by overcoming a spirited Cobh Ramblers at St. Colman’s Park on Saturday evening. Dundalk’s quality was evident from the first minute of this game as they effortlessly stroked the ball aro
Dundalk earned their place in the second round of the FAI Cup by overcoming a spirited Cobh Ramblers at St. Colman’s Park on Saturday evening.
Dundalk’s quality was evident from the first minute of this game as they effortlessly stroked the ball around. Ramblers as expected set up with a tight, defensive unit but did have a couple of early long distance shots from Ian Turner, both failing to test Aaron McCarey in goal.
The first clear chance came for the visitors in the 13th minute when a free kick into the box found Sean Hoare whose shot smashed off the underside of the bar and out. Dundalk appealed for the goal to be given but the referee waved away the protests.
Daniel Kelly went close moments later when his attempted lob from just inside the box was tipped away by Rams keeper Paul Hunt. The home side were restricted to shooting from distance, but it almost paid off in the 40th minute when a surging Dave Hurley run and shot saw his attempt strike the foot of the post with McCarey beaten.
The second half began much in the same vein as the first with Dundalk pulling the strings and dominating possession but failing to create chances. Ramblers had a couple of free kicks into the box that caused some confusion and panic for Dundalk but there was no end product for the home side.
Dundalk slowly increased the pressure on the home side and found the breakthrough in the 68th minute when Georgie Kelly nodded home.
Sean Gannon received the ball on the right and was given too much time to pick his cross which was pinpoint to Kelly to glance home.
Ramblers, to their credit, never gave up and had a half a chance when a ball over the top found sub Cian Leonard but his acrobatic attempt was off target. Dundalk controlled the closing stages to earn the win and place in round two.
