Dylan McGlade’s second-half penalty and a standout performance from Timo Martin helped Cobh Ramblers defeat Cork City at Turners Cross and end the league leaders’ unbeaten start to the season.
Cork City 0
Cobh Ramblers 1
There was a time that League of Ireland fans in Cork would often go to either Ramblers’ St. Coleman’s Park or to see City at Turners Cross depending which team were at home. There was even once a chairman of Ramblers who was a season ticket holder at Cork City. Those days are long gone. Now a days Ramblers fan only step into ‘the cross’ for games against City, usually ever second year or the occasional Munster Senior Cup Final. While it is largely a friendly rivalry Ramblers are no longer content to be seen as the ‘second’ team in County Cork. Despite this wish the Rams had never beaten City at Turners Cross in the league. Cobh last beat City in 2021 at St Colman’s Park, while their previous win in the Cross was a 2006 League Cup success, so a large travelling contingent made the trip through the Lee Tunnel for the ‘El Corkico’ in hope more than expectation.
Fran Rockett made several changes after the defeat in Wexford last time out. Garry Buckley and Luka Le Bervet were back from illness and injury respectively. Mikey Carroll returned to the starting line up with Callum Honohan, Lucas Curtin and Jason Abbott dropping to the bench. Anthony Adenopo replaced Wilson Waweru in attack.
As expected the league leaders started strong, having won eight and drawn three in an unbeaten start to the season. Their first big chance came when Sean Maguire was found in the box from a corner but Martin saved well at the feet of the league’s top scorer. A minute later Keating latched onto a good ball over the top but Martin again closed quickly and blocked the shot. Three minutes after that Maguire broke on the left and crossed well for Keating but once again Timo Martin was up to the task with another good save. City were dominating at this point and Ramblers had their man from Luxemburg to thank that the game was still scoreless. On 20 minutes Bolger found Maguire in the box who chipped the advancing Martin. With the ball bouncing towards the unguarded net ex City player Gary Buckley cleared from the line. When the ball was crossed back in Drinan headed goalward but his effort was comfortably saved by Martin.
After the initial 20 minute onslaught Ramblers settled and started to hold their own in the game creating their first chance on the half hour when Crowe crossed for Buckley in the box who steered his header narrowly over. On the stroke of halftime Keating fashioned a chance for himself with twists and turns in the box but fired narrowly wide.
Early in the second half Ramblers had a shout for a penalty when Rhys Brennan appeared to be caught by Josh Fitzpatrick as the Cobh winger drove into the box. Oliver Moran decided to award a free out instead and booked Brennan for diving.
In the 55th minute Cobh’s Brennan again broke on the left wing but his shot was easily gathered by Brann in the City goal. On the hour mark Fitzpatrick fired a shot into the box from the right of the box but it was easily gathered by Martin. City had a great chance in the 67th minute when a Crowly cross found Maguire free at the back post but once again Martin was up to the task saving the header well. Maguire had another header 2 minutes later but this save was more comfortable for Martin.
Then in the 73rd minute the game turned on a penalty decision. Rhy Brennan again drove into the box from the left but his shot was cleared by Drinan in the City defence. As is ricocheted out from the goal it struck Fiacre Kelleher on the arm. Over City objections referee Moran pointed to the spot. With the shed end doing its best to distract the taker up stepped former Cork City player Dylan McGlade to confidently slot home past Brann.
The scene was set for a barnstorming last twenty minutes as City pushed to save the game and their unbeaten record. With ten minutes to go City thought they had equalised as Maguire headed across to Keating who slotted home form six yards out but the goal was rightly ruled out for offside. Ramblers defended resolutely as they had throughout, reducing City to a handful of half chances into injury time.
The final whistle drew jubilant scenes as the away fans celebrated their heroes at the St. Anne’s End before rushing back to the club bar in St. Coleman’s Park Cobh to continue the celebrations long into the night.
Cork City manager Barry Robson picked out Ramblers Timo Martin at fulltime, “I thought the goalkeeper had an unbelievable night, he had some saves.”
The result leaves Cobh Ramblers in 5th on 19 points. Cork City still lead the division on 27 points.
Next up for the Rams is a bank holiday Monday Game against UCD at home in St. Colemans Park.
Cork City travel to Kerry FC. Both games kick off at 5pm on May 4th.
LineUps
Cork City: Brann; Nevin, Lyons, Kelleher; Fitzpatrick, Bolger (Bridge 75), Crowley, Drinan; Mpongo (Murray 56), Maguire; Keating.
Cobh Ramblers: Martin; Frahill, Griffin, Buckley, Le Bervet; Carroll, Crowe (Abbott 79); Adenopo (Curtin 71), Gourdie, Brennan (Kelly-Nolan 87); McGlade.
Referee: Oliver Moran (Dublin)
LOI Talk’s @jackkelleher464 spoke to @CorkCityFC manager Barry Robson following his sides 1-0 defeat to Cobh Ramblers last night.
Robson talks about whether Cillian Murphy or Rory Feely will be back for Monday’s game against Kerry FC.#CCFC84 pic.twitter.com/11HY9fwRya
— LOI Talk (@loi_talk) May 2, 2026