Ramblers One Down – All Still To Play For

Salthill Devon FC last night took the first step in their bid to retain their Airtricity First Division status as they overcame Cobh Ramblers in the first of a two-legged relegation/promotion affair when they ran out 1-0 winners against a young Cobh side. Mikey Gilmore was the Salthill hero on thirty five minutes when a cross from the right side of the park found him unmarked inside the box with space enough to leave Ramblers keeper Stephen Deasy no chance of stopping his volley and putting the visitors ahead.

From the outset, it was evident that Ramblers were settling for nothing less than a win and it was Salthill who without doubt were on the backfoot for the first twenty minutes. On thirteen minutes Shane Geasley brought the best out of Salthill net-stopper Ronan Forde who made a terrific save from Geasley’s thunderbolt. Ramblers had a few more chances early on but failded to capatilise on a week Salthill defence.

Twelve minutes into the second half Ramblers had a good argument for a penalty when Mikey O’Shea crossed a free kick from the right side into the box, only for all to witness a Salthill defender handle the ball, however referee Graham Kelly wasn’t having any of it and play carried on despite the uproar from the 400+ Ramblers fans. Several minutes later Salthill had, what they believed to be a legit goal, disallowed for offside when Cian McBrien netted.

Ramblers piled on the pressure late on and once again the Salthill defence were finding it hard to cope. Shane Spillane saw an effort go high a wide and closer to time Jonathan Spillane almost equalised but his headed effort just went over the bar.

The second leg will take place in Drom on Saturday 6th November with a 7.00pm kick-off