Post-Match Reaction: SSE Airtricity League First Division – Cobh Ramblers Manager Stuart Ashton – September 10 2020

Having initially struggled to get the results their performances merited, Cobh Ramblers manager Stuart Ashton is delighted his side are beginning to build momentum in the post lockdown SSE Airtricity League First Division.

Since narrowly losing out to Cabinteely on August 14, the St Colman’s Park outfit have recorded four wins on the bounce. Their latest triumph was achieved at Tallaght Stadium on Monday evening, when Conor Drinan’s final-quarter goal helped them to see off the stubborn resistance of Shamrock Rovers II.

“We thought we should have started the run earlier with the likes of the Cabinteely game etc. It wasn’t to be on those days. You can say you get the rub of the green. Maybe tonight people will say that, but I think over the last few games we’ve deserved what we’ve done,” Ashton explained after their 1-0 victory in south Dublin.

“Hopefully we can keep that going. That’s the aim now. We’re not happy with our performance and we have to learn from this game. Take it into our next games, back on the training ground and work on what we were poor at tonight.”

Despite being six points clear of their opponents prior to the game, Cobh found the Hoops’ second-string side a tough nut to crack. Following a difficult opening period, the 15 minute interval offered Ashton and his squad an opportunity to make things right.

“The first half they dominated it. Our keeper [Sean Barron] has kept us in it with a great save [from Thomas Oluwa]. That was probably the only real chance if we’re being honest, but again they had a lot of possession and had us moving around. We got caught out of shape a few times.

“We’ve been in at half-time. We’ve re-organised, re-grouped and I think we’ve come out the best side in the second half. We’ve stopped them playing to an extent. Then a ball in and we’ve got our reward from that.”

Cobh’s recent sequence of results keeps them well in the hunt for promotion from League of Ireland’s second-tier. Although they remain in sixth place, the Leesiders are a mere three points adrift of leaders Drogheda United.

It is 12 years since Ramblers last appeared in the top-flight and given the current unpredictable nature of the First Division, a return for the 2021 season is not beyond the realms of possibility.

“Some of the results you’re seeing are unbelievable. Teams beating each other left, right and centre. It’s wide open for everyone and that’s where we’ve got to keep looking after ourselves. Can we get the consistency now to keep doing what we’re doing. See where it takes us,” Ashton added.

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