Cobh Ramblers (A)

**culloty82** · 18/02/2025, 1:12 PM

This will be the real acid test of how far the squad has progressed since last season, travelling to a side who not only are one of the promotion favourites, but mounted a stunning comeback last week at Market's Field. If Joe Adams' suspension is confirmed, he'll definitely be a huge loss after impressing in his league debut, with Crowe or Brosnan presumably filling in. Still, the case for the defence is rock solid, showing much poise and maturity in the face of adversity, which bodes well for the challenge they'll face on Friday. A share of the spoils is certainly possible, but one suspects a narrow defeat is the more probable outcome.

**dansultheman** · 20/02/2025, 10:53 PM

This will be a sterner test from the Finn Harps attack we seen last week. I think it’s still very early to judge the group no matter the result. I would take happily take a point on our first outing against a much fancied Cobh.

Adams definitely out, I’m not surprised there was no appeal over his red card, the FAI have been known to never overturn any reds by their under qualified and card happy refs. I always see a sign of dishing out yellows as nothing more than a quota needing filled from the association for fines!

It will be interesting to see if Williams come straight in after impressing last week when introduced. Could even see 5 at the back!

Cobh still gelling and I can’t see them being polished just yet.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw, Kelliher with the Kerry Goal

Supporters bus full with people driving we could have 100+ Kerry FC supporters!

**Zico** · 21/02/2025, 12:30 AM

Fancy a 1-1 prediction also, would be a very good start to the season then. Will need a very good defensive effort - do we risk changing formation to a back 5 with Williams coming in or stick with same formation (KW will probably start either way). Management were not left wanting in terms of tactical changes last week at H/T and I expect the same here in terms of a more defensive approach. Maybe KW is just a direct swap for Adams, slotting in to a back 3 with Dunne and O’Connell as wingbacks and Gleason playing a more central role behind RK. If we don’t have a lot of the ball then Gleasons pace up the center can take a lot of pressure off.

Cobh were very lucky to win at Treaty, but their quality is obvious - they are also physical so expect an attritional game on the Astro. Could all come down to the last 20 mins and someone off either bench coming on to make an impact.

Looking forward to it and hopeful of a result!!

**legendz** · 21/02/2025, 4:15 AM

Hard to change the starting XI from last week but there were those tactical changes at half time. If they go with the same starting XI as much as possible I'll be interested to see who comes in for Adams.
Cobh as mentioned by others will offer a sterner test and will offer more of a threat. 1-1 could be a decent result. Cobh are expected to comfortably make the playoffs. For Kerry it's about challenging for those playoffs. The game could be a good indication of how both both clubs are set for this season.
Kerry's away from last year wasn't great. How they might try and adapt away from home will be interesting to see.

**Zico** · 21/02/2025, 9:41 PM

Gritty performance and a very good result - even better when you consider 4 enforced changes (including RK going off early) due to injury and suspension.

McQueen, Williams and Heimer in complete control, despite all Cobhs possession we looked very comfortable at the back - in particular from crosses / set pieces. Concerned a bit by Dunne, although he may be short of fitness. O’Connell grew into the game and consistent as ever.

Midfield battled hard, if maybe outplayed at times, but never lost their shape so really cobh created very little. Teahan was very good in the 2nd half - great to see him get on the ball more.

Fair play to Okwute - his attitude was top notch tonight, lived off scraps up there on his own but kept working hard and getting on the ball as much as he could.

Roll on Top of the table clash with Dundalk (sounds good doesn’t it!!). Looks like it has already sold out too. Hopefully some of the injured players are back in contention - but squad much better and tonight proved that..

**legendz** · 22/02/2025, 6:12 AM

A "resilient" performance to come away with the draw and a clean sheet. RK's injury will be concerning. Interesting that both Williams and Dunne started. I was intrigued before the season started if they will both get to start.
Three forced changes from the opening day. Joe Adams (red card), Nathan Gleeson and Abel Alabi out of the matchday squad. Kevin Williams, Daniel Okwute and new signing Carl Mujaguzi started.
Both teams only made two substitutions each. Cian Brosnan for Kelliher (9) and Oran Crowe for Mujaguzi (HT). The three forced changes for Kerry and the two substitutions hint at a core group of 16 in the current squad. If this group are to make an impact on challenging for the playoffs, the management will need a strong core group that can be relied on.