TREATY United make the short trip to Saint Colman’s Park tomorrow night to take on Cobh Ramblers in the Airtricity League First Division (7.45).
The Limerick side had an unexpected week off last week as their scheduled home fixture with Athlone Town was postponed due to an unplayable surface at the Markets Field.
It was disappointing for Tommy Barrett and his side as they were red-hot favourites to gain victory and build on their impressive 1-5 opening night win against Wexford FC.
Cobh Ramblers began their campaign with a narrow 2-3 defeat against Wexford FC. Manager Darren Murphy will be incredible disappointed by the result as his team led on two occasions. Cobh were leading 2-1 with just ten minutes to go but two goals from veteran striker Dinny Corcoran caused heartbreak for the home side.
Brendan Frahill will miss the clash tomorrow as he was sent off last week. There was plenty of evidence to suggest that Treaty will face a stern test at Colman’s Park.
During last season’s meeting at the venue. Barrett’s charges were victorious following an own goal and a Matt McKevitt strike. In fact, Treaty are yet to lose to Cobh as they drew 1-1 during the first meeting between the clubs and then convincingly won 3-0 at the Markets Field in the third and final meeting in 2021.
There have been plenty of changes to both squads since last season with Treaty bringing in 9 new players to the squad while also losing the services of 5 key players.
Early indications suggest that striker Enda Curran could be the pick of the signings as he scored two goals on his debut and led the line well. There have been doubts from other Airtricity League commentators about Curran’s hunger upon his return to League of Ireland football but at just 29 years old, the former Galway man insists that he has plenty left in the tank at this level.
Lee Devitt will be making a return to Cobh where he spent two seasons and the midfielder has made a good impression upon his return. Devitt is a full blooded and versatile player and has a relationship with his new manager that stretches back to his younger years with Limerick FC.
Former Limerick FC trio Darren Murphy, Dave O’Leary and Ian Turner have left Cobh who are focusing on creating a younger squad for 2022. They have been largely tipped to occupy the bottom two places in the league as a result but will be hoping that the trio of ex-Cork signings including striker Beineon O’Brien Whitmarsh, can provide the firepower to surprise a few.
Treaty have no new injury concerns ahead of the tie with Steven Christopher returning from suspension in time to face his former team. Barrett started with Mark Walsh, Devitt and Callum McNamara in midfield in Wexford and it will be interesting to see will he keep the faith with the trio tomorrow.
Jack Lynch is also struggling for fitness but if he is available, will be pushing for a starting berth. Outside of that area, the team is likely to remain the same with Joel Coustrain and Conor Melody retaining their places on the wing.
After the Wexford game, Barrett was not getting carried away and felt his side gave up too many chances. It was a concern despite the scoreline but an experienced back four of Fleming, Guerins, Gorman and Ludden will be looking to lead a solid performance and make it two wins from two.
Sporting Limerick soccer analyst Noel O’Connor believes that Treaty will win the game. “Form can be inconsistent at the start of the season but I’ll go back to our predictions which I will be sticking with of Cobh finishing in the bottom two and Treaty finishing in the top 4.
Despite what happened last week, I would have Treaty down as strong favourites and I think they are nailed on to pick up those three points although it wont be a battle.”
Fellow analyst Jason O’Connor is in agreement.
“Treaty will certainly be expecting to get the three points. If they go with the same 11 as picked against Wexford, they should be strong enough to get the result. Tommy Barrett has said on a couple of occasions that he doesn’t set targets but inside the dressing room, It’s games against the likes of Cobh, Bray and Athlone that are big targets for Treaty.”
To view the full ‘Soccer Scene’ episode 5 where Noel and Jason discuss the game and the FAI Junior Cup fixtures, click on the link below.
We also spoke to freelance Journalist John O’Shea ahead of the game as he has been following Cobh Ramblers fortunes closely. To see the discussion, click on the link below.
The post Treaty United Prepare for Cobh Ramblers Trip appeared first on Sporting Limerick.
