First Division round-up: Cork City stay clear with victory against Cobh Ramblers

On what was a glorious evening at St Colman's Park on Friday night, the local derby bragging rights went the way of Cork City following a dominant display and well deserved victory over Cobh Ramblers.

A brace from Barry Coffey and a Sean Murray goal saw City defeat their near neighbours and successfully overcome another hurdle as they seek a return to Irish top flight football for 2025.

Unbeaten after fifteen league games played, barring a major collapse, the Tim Clancy-managed City side look to be on their way back to the Premier Division.

Winning three of their last four league games, Gary Hunt and his Cobh Ramblers side were keen to build on that momentum against their local rivals.

The early exchanges were keenly contested although City were enjoying the majority of possession and generally dictating the proceedings, but the Ramblers defence was holding firm.

City had the first opportunity on target midway through the first half when a Sean Murray strike from the edge of the box was saved well by Cobh goalkeeper Darragh Burke.

That proved to be a warning signal for what was to follow as City went into the lead in the 27th minute.

After being teed up by Cathal O’Sullivan, it was Murray who smashed a low strike into the bottom corner of the net from outside the box for his third goal of the season.

As the opening half edged towards a conclusion, City were showing the class and game management which has seen them concede just four league goals to date this season.

Charlie Lyons was a focal element of the Ramblers defence when the east Cork side made the promotion play-offs last year. Now he moved to pastures new with City and he threatened with a vicious long-range strike moments into the second half.

Ramblers were hoping for a