Ramblers to face neighbours Cork City in Enda McGuill Cup

Cobh Ramblers u19s have been drawn to face near neighbours Cork City in the semi-finals of the Enda McGuill Cup. Today’s draw at the FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown paired the Cork rivals against each-other and is the third time the sides will meet in the Cup in three years. City have knocked Ramblers out of the competition for the last two years and Martin Cambridge’s side will go all out to avoid that happening again. City have also won the competition for the last two years so it will be no easy task for the Rams. They were 2-1 winners over the Leesiders earlier in the season though and this will give them confidence.
Ramblers’ path to the last four was no easy one. It started back in October when they defeated Southern Division side Limerick 6-5 on penalties at St Colman’s Park. A 2-1 win at home to UCD in the second round followed with David O’Gorman scoring the winner late on. Next up was a difficult quarter-final away to Waterford United. With the sides locked at 1-1 in extra-time, Danny Barry popped up to score his first goal for the club, before adding a second. Waterford pulled it back to 3-2 but Chris McCarthy’s late strike ensured Cobh’s passage to the last four.

Ramblers’ player Dave Walsh and coach Shane Kavanagh attended the draw in Dublin, which was made by the Irish u19 manager Paul Doolin and Fran Reilly from loi19.com.

Speaking to loi19.com Shane Kavanagh gave his view on the tie, “We were hoping for this to be the final! We’d have probably hoped for a home draw but it’s close enough and on our day we’re capable of beating any side. We beat Cork City in Bishopstown already this year, there’s a good history between the sides so I think we’re happy enough with the draw. We’re confident in the lads, we’ve a decent squad this year.”
Dave Walsh also gave his opinion, “I’m happy with it, it was the draw I wanted – away at Bishopstown in a local derby, so it’ll be good. Hopefully I’ll score!”

The tie is to be played the weekend of January 12th. In the other semi-final league leaders Shelbourne entertain Drogheda United.

By Thomas Stafford