Cobh Ramblers manager Stephen Henderson was delighted with his team’s performance as Ramblers secured their first league win of the season at St. Colman’s Park with a convincing 1-0 victory over Cabinteely. In a victory that was built on a strong de
Cobh Ramblers manager Stephen Henderson was delighted with his team’s performance as Ramblers secured their first league win of the season at St. Colman’s Park with a convincing 1-0 victory over Cabinteely.
In a victory that was built on a strong defensive display, Ramblers scored the only goal of the game in the 2nd minute when a ball over the top of the Cabinteely defence allowed Cian Leonard to lob the keeper from more than 20 yards out. Cabinteely enjoyed periods of possession but found the Ramblers set up impossible to break down all evening. It was this solid structure to the team that had Henderson full of praise for his players after the match.
“We knew with Cabo that they are very physical, you can see the size of them. So we kind of had to step up to that. It was a glorious day here in Cobh today so the pitch was dry and very bumpy. We went in behind them knowing that they would play a high line. Then we had to compete for the headers, which the back four done brilliant. We won second balls in midfield and then we needed Cian (Leonard) to hold it up, which he did great. In terms of the attitude of the players and their application, it was a joy to watch.”
“Cian’s goal was fabulous. He has that in his locker. When the team struggles a bit, it is easy to look at the centre forward and point the finger but Cian and Andy (Wall), they work tirelessly for us. Dave Hurley in there supports them great. Cian has held the ball up great tonight and we got the support to him. His finish was exceptional. His movement, coming in behind all night kind of gave us room elsewhere to exploit. I thought the whole team were magnificent.”
“They launched an awful lot of balls down on top of us tonight. Ben O’Riordan is a different man, James McSweeney, Adam O’Sullivan won every header in the air and were perfect tonight, as did young (Kevin) Taylor, another who has a new lease of life. It is amazing when you see a bit of confidence coming into players. All of a sudden they look different, all of a sudden they run quicker, all of a sudden their chest is that little bit out more. That is the way the whole team is now at the moment. We are delighted with the lot of them and especially with another clean sheet and the three points.”
Henderson is eager to leave the event of the last few weeks behind him and is looking to build momentum starting with next Friday’s long trip to Finn Harps.
“It is all about momentum. I think we have eradicated some of the mistakes we were making. We have simplified it for the back four in terms of what we are asking them to do. Since we have done that we have managed to get it up to our big lads up front and create opportunities. The last two games have been hugely positive. It sets us up to go on a run between now and the break starting next week with Finn Harps.”
“It was hard over the last week, not just on me but also on the players. These players are the most important thing to me. A lot of good stuff is starting to happen so there was that element of calm this week. I think the cup match against Longford showed the lads just how good they can be. They now understand that you have to earn the right to play a game of ball. The last two matches we have done that. We have won battles and been really aggressive in our tackling and heading. So thank God it is behind us. We move forward and hopefully it is all positive between here and the end of the season.”
