First Div wrap: Cobh win on landmark night in Kerry

Kerry FC made their opening bow in the League of Ireland with a 2-0 defeat to Cobh Ramblers on a historic night in Mounthawk Park.

A sellout crowd packed into the Tralee venue as Billy Dennehy's side made their highly anticipated beginning to life in the league in this Munster derby.

But it was the visitors who dominated the early exchanges, with local goalkeeper Wayne Guthrie forced into a few early saves.

However, just as the hosts were growing into the game, they fell behind shortly before half-time, the enterprising Jack Doherty centering for Tiernan O'Brien to drill home the opener.

The home side enjoyed the better of the play in an encouraging second half performances, with ex-Sheffield United man Leonardo Gaxha causing continual problems for the visitors, forcing Lee Steacy into a diving save shortly after the restart. Kalen Spillane also went close on the hour mark, Steacy again called into action.

With momentum growing, Kerry appeared to be winding up for a late push but the game would be killed off against the run of play with 18 minutes remaining.

A defensive error saw Guthrie placed in bother, the keeper forced to pick the ball on the edge of his box. The livewire Doherty proceeded to settle the contest, firing low to the bottom corner.

Club legend Ollie Horgan made a winning return to Ballybofey, as Galway United inflicted a 2-1 defeat on Finn Harps on the latter's return to the second tier.

A brace of goals in either half from their American midfielder Vincent Borden powered John Caulfield's side to victory - with Galwegian Horgan now prowling the sideline as assistant manager for his home club.

Ryan Rainey had equalised for the hosts just before half-time but Borden struck on the hour mark to give Galway victory.

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