First Div: Cobh Ramblers turn tables on in-form Bray Wanderers

Cobh Ramblers recorded a third league win over the season and keep in touching distance of the First Division promotion playoffs after overcoming an in-form Bray Wanderers at St Colman's Park.

Ramblers came into this particular clash eight points off theplayoff places and searching for a third league win of the campaign.

It was a special night for Cobh, with the official opening ceremony for the newly renovated St Colman’s Park taking place

While Ian Ryan’s Bray side, who were looking to win five league games in a row for only the second time since entering the League of Ireland back in 1985, are a team with strong promotion ambitions for the 2024 season.

It was the Wicklow club got off to the most perfect of starts, when Peter Grogan netted from a tight angle inside the box, his fifth game in a row finding the back of net.

Ramblers, though, responded well and scored an equaliser in the ninth minute. Taking aim from distance, Beineón O'Brien-Whitmarsh found the back of the net with a sweetly struck effort.

By the midway point of the opening half, Bray saw plenty of possession but the Cobh defence were now holding firm.

The visitors almost regained the lead just shy of the half hour mark, when Harry Groome forced a good save from Cobh goalkeeper Darragh Burke.

Cobh looked for a strong finish to the first half, with Pierce Phillips going close with a well struck effort from the edge of the box, the shot just clearing the crossbar.

Shortly after the restart, another Phillips shot was repelled impressively by Bray stopper Stephen McGuinness. At the other end, Burke turned away a headed effort from Grogan.

In the 62nd minute, Bray were presented with a gilt-edged chance to take the lead from the penalty spot. But Burke was the hero