🗞️ Match Preview – Dundalk FC vs Cobh Ramblers

Sean McGuinness
Jun 26
3 min read

📸 Photos by Gerry Scully — 📸 ***Photos by Gerry Scully***

Date: Friday, June 27th

Kick-off: 19:45

Venue: Oriel Park

Dundalk FC return to action at Oriel Park on Friday night for a top-of-the-table First Division clash with Cobh Ramblers and it’s a big one.

The Lilywhites suffered their first defeat of the season on Monday night, falling 1-0 away to Finn Harps in Ballybofey, with the only goal of the game coming from the penalty spot via Harps forward Lomboto.

That loss, following back-to-back draws, means the momentum has dipped slightly, but with Cobh now just one point behind in second place, this is a massive opportunity to respond and re-establish a gap at the summit.

Tight at the Top

Dundalk remain on 43 points, while Cobh sit on 42, thanks to a strong run of form that has seen them win four of their last five matches.

The rams also boast the division’s top scorer, Barry Coffey, who has netted an impressive 14 goals so far this season, a major threat that Dundalk will be wary of.

This is a pivotal moment in the season and Dundalk head coach Ciarán Kilduff will demand a reaction from his side in front of a home crowd under the lights.

Last Meeting: Dundalk Took the Points in Cork

These sides last met on May 16th at St. Colman’s Park, where Dundalk came away with a hard-fought 2-1 win.

First-half goals from Daryl Horgan and Gbemi Arubi gave the visitors a strong platform, before Griffin's brilliant free-kick early in the second half pulled one back for Cobh.

Dundalk dug in to see it out and they’ll need similar character and quality on Friday to repeat the feat.

Kilduff’s Thoughts 💭

With both clubs eyeing a spot in the Premier Division next season, the stakes could hardly be higher. Manager’s words ahead of the game struck a confident and defiant tone:

“We welcome Cobh Ramblers to Oriel Park for what is undoubtedly our biggest game of the season so far. They’re a strong side with Premier Division ambitions of their own, and we know we’ll need to be at our very best.”

There’s no underestimating the challenge posed by the visitors. Cobh Ramblers have consistently shown quality and resilience this season, and their push for promotion has made them one of the standout teams in the division. The message is clear: Dundalk must be sharp, focused, and ready from the first whistle.

“Monday’s defeat in Ballybofey ended a long unbeaten run, but the support we felt walking off that pitch reminded us who we are.”

A difficult result on the road brought an end to the team’s unbeaten streak, but there was a silver lining, the unwavering support from the travelling fans. That bond between the players and supporters has become a hallmark of this campaign and remains a source of strength for the squad.

“This group, young, hungry, and led by experienced heads, knows what it means to wear the Dundalk shirt. The unbeaten talk is gone, but the fight continues. We’re still top, still pushing, and we’ll keep giving everything for this club.”

The manager’s words paint a picture of a determined squad that hasn’t lost sight of the bigger picture. While the unbeaten tag is no longer in play, the hunger and unity in the dressing room remain undiminished. With a mix of youth, energy, and experienced leadership, the team is ready to bounce back.

“Despite the recent blip, belief remains strong in the camp, and with the crowd behind them at Oriel, the squad will look to get back on track and keep control of the promotion race.”

Oriel Park is set to play a crucial role once again. With the home crowd behind them, the players will be looking to harness that energy and respond in the best way possible, with a performance worthy of league leaders.

Friday night under the lights. A huge test. A massive opportunity.

Let’s get behind the lads, get down to Oriel and push them until the final whistle!

🩺 Team News

Dundalk FC head into Friday’s clash with Cobh Ramblers with a number of injury concerns.

Dervin and Arubi are both doubtful for the fixture as they continue to be assessed ahead of kick-off. Ghaxa will miss out through injury, while O’Keeffe remains sidelined as he continues his recovery.

There is better news regarding Vaughan and Garbett, who are both expected to return in the coming weeks, providing a boost to the squad depth. However, Wilson will not be available until July 1st.

Kilduff and the medical staff will continue to monitor the fitness of the squad closely ahead of team selection.