Cobh Ramblers secured their passage into the second round of the EA Sports Cup with a 3-1 victory over Limerick FC on Monday afternoon. In a very entertaining first half, it was Ramblers who started the brighter and went close in the opening minute
Cobh Ramblers secured their passage into the second round of the EA Sports Cup with a 3-1 victory over Limerick FC on Monday afternoon.
In a very entertaining first half, it was Ramblers who started the brighter and went close in the opening minutes when Cian Leonard headed just over from a corner. Ramblers didn’t have to wait long for the opener and it came from another corner from Stephen Kenny.
The cross was only partially cleared by the Limerick defence and Denzil Fernandes acrobatically volleyed home to give Ramblers the lead. They almost doubled that lead in the 19th minute when more good work from Fernandes and Hurley set up Turner whose shot was well saved by Tommy Holland.
Limerick grew into the game as it progressed and missed two good opportunities through Brouder and Barry, neither really testing Hunt in goal. Ian Turner had a glorious chance in the 36th minute after being sent clean through but his lob over Holland struck the crossbar.
Leonard further tested Holland before the break, but Ramblers had to settle for that single goal lead at half time. Limerick continued to improve after the break and they almost found an equaliser when Russell’s shot was just tipped around the post by Hunt.
Limerick brought on Darren Murphy and Conor Ellis on the hour mark and Ellis almost found the net after a clever through ball, Hunt once again making a good save. Limerick at this point were very much on top but it was Ramblers who scored next through substitute Brian Murphy (73’).
A cross from Fernandes was headed back by Kenny into a dangerous area, the Limerick defence failed to clear properly and it fell to Murphy who had time and space to pick his spot.
Limerick responded through Sean McSweeney (84’) through a great long-range strike but Ramblers sealed the win when a Murphy free kick struck the post and Kabia followed up to tap home.
Ramblers progress to the second round and an away trip to Cork City.
