Cobh Ramblers ‘A’ Team
Away vs Galway 21/09/08
2-2
Rams took to the road, once again in their final away fixture. The game against a strong Galway side took place in Athenry. The fixture clashed with the clubs U-20 game (away to Waterford), and following on from the first teams home game vs Cork City meant that the players resources were stretched to the limit with coach Darragh Burke calling up seventeen year old, hot prospect, David Devlin to the reserves squad.
Cobh started brightly and on 5 minutes a Stapleton corner was flicked on by Grainger, and O’Halloran arriving at the back post headed powerfully to the net. Cobh enjoyed the majority of first half possession and with Max Cream and Mark Murphy giving the Galway defence a torrid time, it seemed as if Cobh would add to their goal. Then on 30 mins Galways Tierneys attempted cross was miscued and looped over Alan Burns to give Galway an unlikely equaliser. Galway upped their game in the second half and went ahead in 68 mins when Tierney’s free kick found its way to the net.
At this stage Rams gave a League of Ireland debut to David Devlin who replaced Jonathan Spillane on 70 mins. Dave was highly impressive during his 20 mins and delighted coach Darragh Burke with his contribution.
Rams once again raised their game and on 74 mins Ian Stapleton struck a 20 yard free, low around the Galway wall, and inside the right hand post for a deserved equaliser. Indeed Rams almost took all three points when Stapleton’s drive was held by Rouse just three minutes from time. Rams were well pleased with the draw as Galway fielded eight first team players.
