Cobh Ramblers and Waterford FC played out an exciting quarterfinal clash in the Munster Senior Cup in Ben Wadding Park on Saturday evening. As both clubs continued their preparation for the new League of Ireland season a mixture of young players and more experienced personal were on show for each side.
Waterford 3
Cobh Ramblers 2
Ramblers lined out with Chambers in goal, Frahill and Buckley at centre-half, Le Bervet at left-back and Honohan on the right. Gourdie, Crowe and Osorio anchored midfield, with Adenopo and Kia O’Neill operating wide and Wilson Waweru leading the line.
In an evenly contested opening half, Cobh enjoyed large spells of possession and played attractive football, creating several chances without finding a breakthrough. Waterford, however, remained dangerous on the counter and took the lead in the 25th minute when Jorgen Voilas finished one such move.
Despite conceding, Cobh Ramblers continued to impress, with new signings Kia O’Neill and Claudio Osorio catching the eye. Callum Honohan, on loan from Shamrock Rovers, also looked assured at right-back despite it not being his natural position.
Cobh Ramblers switched to a front two early in the second half with Rhys Kelly-Noonan replacing Adenopo, but Waterford doubled their lead in the 69th minute when a Jordan Faria cross was diverted into his own net by Luka Le Bervet. The response was immediate, as Rhys Gourdie pulled one back just a minute later.
The game took a sour turn in the 75th minute when Le Bervet, who had been excellent throughout, was stretchered off with a serious ankle injury. Brian Lenihan replaced him. After a lengthy stoppage, Ramblers levelled through Wilson Waweru, though Oran Crowe was injured in the build-up and replaced by the experienced Jason Abbott.
With the scores level after 90 minutes, the match moved into two ten-minute periods of extra time. Waterford struck the decisive blow in the 97th minute, Voilas scoring his second of the game. Evan Deasy replaced Kia O’Neill as Cobh pushed for another equaliser.
Ramblers were unlucky not to earn a penalty in the second half of extra time when Waweru went down under a heavy challenge, but appeals were waved away. Scott Hyde replaced Frahill late on for his senior debut, but Waterford held on to progress to the semi-finals, where they will face Cork City FC, Kerry FC or Rockmount AFC.
Waterford FC:
Healy (GK); Coyne, Keane (C), O’Brien, Dempsey; Lapite, Oladiti (112’ Keohan), Faria, Byrne (81’ Cala), Voilas; Wozniak (61’ Coyle, 104’ Cass).
Cobh Ramblers FC:
Chambers (GK); Honohan, Frahill (111’ Hyde), Buckley (C), Le Bervet (75’ Lenihan); Gourdie, Crowe (79’ Abbott), O’Neill (102’ Deasy), Osorio, Adenopo (65’ Kelly-Noonan); Waweru.
Post-Match Reaction – Cobh Ramblers Manager Fran Rockett
KH: So 3–2, initial thoughts on the game?
Fran Rockett:
“My primary concern is the injuries. The game kind of fell into insignificance after seeing some of the lads going off. They look like serious ones. Other than that, I thought we were outstanding. The way we trained is the way we played today. We missed too many gilt-edge chances and you leave yourself open, but from a performance perspective I couldn’t be happier.”
KH: Kia O’Neill and Claudio Osorio impressed again.
Rockett:
“Kia’s attitude is unbelievable. He’s local, young, honest, and his technical ability and acceleration for such a big player are outstanding. Claudio is like a pillow foot — so tidy, so efficient. There are some massive green shoots in this squad.”
KH: How has pre-season been shaping up overall?
Rockett:
“Fantastic. The fitness levels are excellent and the composure we showed comes from that. We were on the front foot and brave in possession. I couldn’t be happier with where we’re at.”
KH: Two weeks to go — are you still looking to add players?
Rockett:
“Always. We’re talking to one or two, especially now with injuries. Callum Honohan deserves a mention too — he was fantastic out of position. We’re going in the right direction and I’m really positive.”
Piece Written by Kenneth Hickey
Kenneth Hickey is a Cobh Ramblers Season Ticket Holder
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