Waterford find extra gear against Cobh Ramblers to set up play-off with Cork City

Waterford FC are one step away from League Of Ireland Premier Division football after an extra-time victory in a thrilling promotion play-off contest against Cobh Ramblers.

Giles Phillips scored an extra-time winner after a spectacular Matthew McKevitt overhead kick had forced extra-time for Cobh.

Keith Long's side will now face off against Cork City next week to determine who will be playing in the top flight of Irish football in 2024.

It was the Blues who commenced on the front foot, with Roland Idowu blasting wide after being picked out by Romeo Akachukwu in the ninth minute.

Ramblers have been a side totally transformed in 2023 under the management of Shane Keegan and the East Cork side held their shape and were well organised during the opening half.

Cobh went close on 24 minutes when Brendan Frahill headed just wide from a Mikie Rowe free kick and had a shout for a penalty on 35 minutes when the ball appeared to hit the hand of Waterford defender Ryan Burke from a Wilson Waweru cross.

With 34 league goals to his name, Ronan Coughlan has been a scoring machine for Waterford this term but he missed a golden chance on 42 minutes to give his side the lead after misfiring from a few yards out from a Connor Parsons ball across.

The second half was only one minute old when Waterford went into the lead. Racing onto the end of a long ball forward by Barry Baggley, Coughlan did well to maintain his composure and slot home confidently to the back of the net.