IrishFootballOnline.com » The unofficial and Independent Irish Football website.

Ten man Cobh draw to retain First Division lead

Sunday 12th August 2007, 5:54 pm

Cobh Ramblers secured a 0-0 draw on their visit to face Dundalk in today's top of the table clash in the First Division of the League of Ireland. Despite playing almost thirty minutes a man down, Cobh held on to retain their three point lead in the race for the one automatic promotion spot.

Going into the game without the suspended strike duo of Graham Cummins and Davin O'Neill, Cobh were always likely to struggle in front of goal and so it proved as Dundalk created the best of the chances at Oriel Park.

Robbie Dunne headed narrowly off target with an early effort before a long range Robbie Doyle free kick forced a save from visiting keeper James McCarthy. The visiting goal remained intact thanks to John Meade's clearance of the loose ball.

The game looked set to swing in favour of the home side when Cobh's Ken Coleman was red carded for an off the ball incident just after the hour.

Despite being a man down, Cobh almost snatched the lead in the closing twenty minutes when Gareth Cambridge's shot was flicked onto the woodwork by home keeper Niall Gallagher.

Philip Hughes might have grabbed a late winner for the home side but McCarthy saved as Cobh hung on for a hugely important point.

The First Division leaders now have a free week before they host Shelbourne in a couple of weeks time. Dundalk will host UCD in the FAI Cup on Thursday before a tricky return to league action in Limerick.

Dundalk : Gallagher, Quigley, Grimes, Lynch, Crawley, R Dunne, O'Connor, Marney, Doyle (Vaughan 78), Hughes, Smyth (Hand 70).
Cobh Ramblers : McCarthy, Carey, J Meade, Murray, Guthrie, Barrett, Mulconry, Coleman, O'Reilly (C Meade 87), O'Shea (King 64), Cambridge.