First Division: Cork City thump Cobh Ramblers to stay top

The local bragging rights in the First Division went to Cork City following what was a fully deserved victory over Cobh Ramblers at Turners Cross on Friday night.

This is a result that sees Tim Clancy's side remain on top of the table and also remain the only unbeaten side in the division, with City recording their sixth league victory of the campaign.

There was a minute's silence held before kick-off following the passing of Kelly Healy, the wife of former City player and manager, club legend Colin Healy.

City looked to impose their authority on their near neighbours in the early stages, with Cathal O’Sullivan shooting wide in the opening minutes.

The hosts took the lead though with just seven minutes played on the clock. The man who got it was Jack Doherty, who scored 18 goals in the First Division for Cobh last year. He was back to torment his former footballing employers.

Getting onto the end of a low cross by Cian Bargary, on hand was that man Doherty to fire home and continue his impressive start to the 2024 campaign in City colours.

Indeed the Cork stream train showed no signs of stopping and the home side got a second goal of proceedings in the 14th minute. Courtesy of another Bargary cross, on hand to slot the ball home was Barry Coffey with a clinical finish.

In what was surely one of the wettest match nights in Turners Cross for some time and with the pitch condition only worsening, Gary Hunt saw his Cobh side facing strong surges of City momentum.

Ramblers had their first chance of note midway through the opening half when a Jack Larkin shot was blocked down well by City defender Harry Nevin. Cobh were limited to only a few half chances by what was an organised Cork defence.

On the half hour mark City went again, when