Longford Town’s three match unbeaten run ended following a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Cobh Ramblers at Bishopsgate.
Town lacked attacking creativity. Chances were scarce from the hosts perspective while Cobh could’ve won by more.
The game’s first chance fell to the visitors three minutes in. Mikie Rowe’s 20-yard free-kick was easily dealt with by Jack Harrington.
11 minutes later, Cobh threatened again. Dean Larkin connected with Cian Browne’s long throw-in, his header forced a decent save from Harrington.
Browne was the architect behind the game’s opening goal 27 minutes. Harrington parried his throw into the path of Wilson Waweru.
The Cobh striker headed into an empty net for his ninth goal of the season.
📽️ | Here's how Cobh Ramblers have gone in front at Bishopsgate!
Wilson Waweru gets the key touch after a long throw-in caused havoc in the Longford Town box.
LATEST | Longford Town 0-1 Cobh Ramblers#LONCOB | #LOI pic.twitter.com/pxxqvoTd82
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) July 29, 2023
Town’s first chance arrived five minutes later. Cristian Magerusan connected with Kyle O’Connor’s cross but his header missed the target.
Harrington was called into action again on 34 minutes. The Town goalkeeper repelled Pierce Philips’ 20-yard effort.
Missed Penalty
Town were handed a lifeline on the stroke of half-time. A penalty was awarded when Larkin brought down Magerusan.
Beineon O’Brien Whitmarsh took the spot kick but missed the target completely as Town trailed 1-0 at the break.
Cobh spurned another chance seven minutes after the restart. Dale Holland collected Shane Elworthy’s headed clearance but volleyed wide from 20 yards out.
On 69 minutes, Cobh almost scored again. Mikie Rowe latched onto Waweru’s cross at the backpost but couldn’t direct his header on target.
Cobh’s Jack Doherty was introduced 13 minutes later and could’ve got on the scoresheet within 60 seconds.
Having collected Philips’ pass his first-time volley went the wrong side of the post.
Chances were scarce from a Town perspective, but the hosts almost pulled one back one minute from time.
Substitute Mohamed Boudiaf wrongfooted Alec Byrne before his subsequent shot deflected off his teammate Olajuwon Adeyemo and out for a goal kick.
An equaliser proved elusive as Town suffered defeat and Cobh ended a two-match losing streak.
Longford Town: J Harrington, S Elworthy, A Walsh, L Temple, K O’Connor (M Boudiaf 46); J Giurgi, G Armstrong, C Mutawe (A Wixted 46), J Doona (D Daly 46), B O’Brien Whitmarsh (O Adeyemo 73), C Magerusan (J Adeyemo 73).
Cobh Ramblers: L Steacy, J Eguaibor, D Larkin, B Frahill, T O’Brien (J Doherty 82), P Philips, J Abbott, D Holland (A Byrne 76), C Browne; M Rowe (M McCarthy 82), W Waweru (M McKevitt 89)
Referee: Chris Sheehan