For two successive weeks Mick McDermott’s Cobh Ramblers were scheduled to play a Munster derby, this time against Conor McCarthy’s Kerry FC.
Both sides had exciting opening weeks to the season, Cobh scored two stoppage time goals to beat Treaty United 3-2 and Kerry FC won their opening match for the first time in their short history.
Also factoring in these clubs had met in the Munster senior cup a few weeks prior to their league meeting, with that game ending 4-3 to Cobh, this game had all the elements to be a thriller but it was anything but that.
Kerry FC were dealt a huge blow in the early minutes of the game with Ryan Kelliher being forced off due to injury before the 10th minute mark.
The best chance of the first half fell to Cian Murphy, after a quick counterattack his attempt was palmed out for a corner by Tim Hiemer.
The kingdom did have appeals for a penalty after former Athlone Town midfielder Carl Mujaguzi was brought down in the box but the referee waved it away.
The second half saw both sides have a couple half hearted chances but no real significant opportunity. That was until Cobh Ramblers had the ball in the back of the net but was subsequently ruled out as the referee believed Samuel Bellis used his arm to score.
Mick McDermott spoke to a member of our team after the game and voiced his disapproval of the decision:
“We scored from what our side looked like a perfectly good goal that was called off… The player said it didn’t touch his hand.”
He ended the interview with:
“I believe it was the referee’s first game at this level. You don’t need me to say anything more than that.”
Kerry FC will definitely be the happier of the two sides with the scoreless draw, travelling to St Coleman’s Park to face a side many backed for promotion.
Cobh Ramblers will likely feel disappointed to only come away with just a point as they were the better team and felt Samuel Bellis’s second half goal should have stood.
Both sides end game week two on four points with Kerry FC sat in second ahead of third place Cobh on goal difference with only Dundalk able to make it two wins from two in the First Division.