Cobh Ramblers and Finn Harps both look to build on their respective victories over the weekend, after making up for their losses on Opening Night.
Cobh Ramblers started they’re 2026 campaign, with a very unimpressive showing at St.Colman’s Park. The Rams were dispatched with ease, by Stephen Elliot’s Wexford side 3-0, a disappointing result considering the quality and League of Ireland experience in their back line. Fortunately, the Cork outfit got off the mark for the season. Saturday Night was a night for the loanees. Rhys Brennan found the net for the first time since his dramatic last minute winner for Bohs vs Shamrock Rovers in the Dublin Derby and Callum Honohan scored his first career goal, after joining the side from Shamrock Rovers. Aaron Doran’s penalty proved a mere consolation as Fran Rockett’s side won 2-1.
Finn Harps first 2 games have proved incredibly similar to Ramblers’. Harps’ trip to the Midlands proved not as successful as Cobh’s, taking the lead early through Ajibola, but by the time half-time came, the Donegal outfit were 2-1 down. This is how the game finished, with new Portuguese centre-half Daniel de Lacerda being given marching orders after receiving a second yellow from referee Robert Dowling. Harps’ league tally however was opened last Friday Night, beating UCD 2-1, through a lovely bit of skill from Shaunie Bradley and a contender for Goal of the Season by centre-back Conor Tourish.
Key Information:
Kick Off: 19:45, Friday 27th of February
Where to Watch: LOI TV
Betting Odds: Cobh Ramblers @4/9, Draw @16/5, Finn Harps @9/2
Referee: Mark Houlihan (Clare)
Team News:
Oran Crowe returned to the Ramblers squad last Saturday after his knock, as an unused substitute. Luka Le Bervet, Shane Griffin(Midfielder) and Dylan McGlade remain out injured.
Finn Harps look to have a fully fit squad for Friday Night’s Clash at St.Colman’s Park.
Key Statistics:
Finn Harps manager Kevin McHugh is familiar of this fixture from his time as a player, scoring against the Rams 9 times.
It’s been a historically close fixture between the 2 sides. In their last 48 encounters, Harps have won 19 of these games, with Ramblers trailing closely with 17.
However, in the last 10 times Cobh Ramblers have faced off against Finn Harps, Harps have only came out with the 3 points on 2 occasions.
Finn Harps have the most yellow cards in the First Division so far, 2 in front of the runners-up with 9.
Key Players:
Corey Chambers will be pivotal in net for the Ramblers, if they have any hope of containing Harps’ attack. The 28 year-old shot stopper has averaged 4.5 saves per game so far this season, with a save percentage of 69%.
Keeping on the topic of preventing goals, Conor Tourish had a great night last week against the Students, scoring an absolute worldie that any striker would be proud of. On top of that, the centre-half went on to have 9 clearances, 5 interceptions and won all 6 of his aerial duels in his side’s win.
Previous Meetings:
26/9/25 – Cobh Ramblers 4-1 Finn Harps
25/7/25 – Finn Harps 2-2 Cobh Ramblers
25/4/25 – Cobh Ramblers 3-1 Finn Harps
14/3/25 – Finn Harps 1-2 Cobh Ramblers