eircom League First Division - Series 8 [28 Oct 2002|05:45pm] eircom League First Division - Series 8 RESULT: Dublin City 3 - 2 Cobh Ramblers Match Summary Dublin City began their tenancy at the Morton Stadium in Santry with a victory as they saw off Cobh Ramblers 3-2 thanks to goals by Derek McGrath, Robbie Farrell and a Michael Hastings own goal. The result meant Cobh Ramblers missed the chance to go clear at the top of the eircom First Division, but with one game in hand over most of their rivals, Dave Hill's side will still be confident of winning promotion. Due to the recent bad weather, Cobh hadn't played a game since defeating Kilkenny City two weeks ago and it was clear that there were a few cobwebs as they came off second best in the first half. Dublin deservedly went ahead after 28 minutes after Derek McGrath shot home after Cobh goalkeeper Derek Slattery had spilled an Alan McNevin cross under pressure from Robbie Farrell. Slattery was forced to make another save moments later from a Robbie Clarke free kick, but three minutes before the break, Dublin doubled their advantage. It a bad goal for Cobh to concede as Brendan Markey was allowed to rise unchallenged to head Gary Sliney's long throw goalwards with Michael Hastings putting into his own net as he attempted to clear. However, Cobh were like a different team in the second half and they pulled one goal back in the 65th minute. They was some good fortune about the goal as Dave Hill won a tackle in midfield, and the ball broke lose to captain Mark Clifford to coolly went around the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the empty net. But, Dublin restored their two goal advantage five minutes later when Hastings was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box and Farrell made no mistake from the spot to notch up his first goal of the season. Cobh fought back with Noonan cutting the gap once more when he headed in off the post after a Hill corner had caused confusion in the box but despite almost constant Cobh pressure in the closing minutes, they were unable to find an equaliser. John Toal’s Dublin City soaked up late Cobh Ramblers pressure to beat the Cork side in a thrilling encounter at their new Morton Stadium home on Bank Holiday Monday. A victory for Ramblers would have seen them go joint top of the table with Waterford United but it was not to be. Rambler’s defender Michael Hastings is unlikely to recall this game with much fondness either after scoring an own goal and giving away a penalty during the 90 minutes. City started the game very brightly and pressurised the Ramblers rearguard from the off. Their persistence finally resulted in a goal after 28 minutes when Derek McGrath capitalised on a mistake by Cobh goalkeeper Derek Slattery. Three minutes before half-time City extended their advantage when Hastings inadvertently put Brendan Markey’s powerful header into his own net as he tried to clear. It was a devastating goal for the visitors to receive and they trailed 2-0 at the break. However they appeared to carry much more of a threat in the second period and pulled a goal back courtesy of Mark Clifford in the 65th minute. Dave Hill’s side now seemed to have swung the momentum of the game in their favour and pushed for the equaliser. But five minutes later Dublin were awarded a penalty when Hastings allegedly handled the ball. Robert Farrell stood up and duly doubled their advantage. Cobh failed to give up hope though, and Michael Noonan set up a grandstand finish when he scored in the 76th minute. The remainder of the game was played in the Dubliner’s third of the pitch as Cobh hunted in packs for an equaliser. But the home side held out and the win allows them some breathing space from Kilkenny City and Monaghan United at the bottom of the table. Goals: Dublin City: 28 mins - Derek McGrath 42 mins - Michael Hastings (o.g.) 70 mins - Robbie Farrell (pen) Cobh Ramblers: 65 mins - Mark Clifford 76 mins - Andy Noonan Line-ups Dublin City: Kennedy; Gifford, Jackson, McGauley, Clarke; McNevin, McGrath, Sliney, Morrisroe; Markey, Farrell. Subs: O'Brien for Morrisroe (77 minutes), Crowley for Sliney (85 minutes), Holt for McNevin (88 minutes). Cobh Ramblers: Slattery; Noonan, O'Donovan, Brosnan, Hastings; Kabia, Clifford, Hill, Yelverton; Bruton, McGregor. Subs: Hughes for O'Donovan (6 minutes), Coker for Bruton (63 minutes), Brady for Noonan (84 minutes). Referee: P Duddy (Dublin).

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