Two early goals by Cian Bargary and Barry Coffey give Cobh Ramblers the edge over Bray Wanderers as Dundalk’s title rivals heading into the final series of games.
Dundalk’s quest for an immediate return to the Premier division remained on course despite a minor hiccup of falling behind at home to Athlone Town, but Cobh remain within six points off the leaders with nine matches left.
Bray spurned the chance of leapfrogging the Rams into that runner-up berth, conceding goals 12 minutes apart to fall five points adrift in third.
Teen genius Billy O’Neill showed flashes of his repertoire for Bray, attracting comparisons with Damien Duff. He made the short journey from his Wicklow home for the fixture, a first sighting on the League of Ireland circuit since quitting the Premier champions Shelbourne in June.
While Bray looked assured of a playoff spot, at this stage it appears the only threat Dundalk face during the run-up will come from Leeside.
Manager Mick McDermott always contended he was happy to stay within shooting distance until the latter stages, potentially setting up a final day decider at St Colman’s Park when the sides meet on October 17.
His confidence stems from his side overcoming off-field upheaval to not only retain their players but strengthen in this window.
US-based group Digital Athlete Ventures stepped in three weeks ago to take a 90% stake of the club, ending the uncertainty created by the withdrawal of another foreign group, FC32.
Failure to land a suitable backer would have led to a crisis, not just for Cobh but the league itself.
Instead, they could rid themselves of being the First Division club longest without being in the top-flight. Turbulence has been a watchword since that 2008 season in the Premier. All McDermott can do is ensure he fulfils his part on the pitch.
He’s helped by having his team’s backbone composed of Cork City’s title-winning team from last season. Jonas Häkkinen and new capture Dylan McGlade were part of the City team that won the 2022 season but the two goalscorers, along with captain Cian Coleman at the back and Cian Murphy up top, constitute a quartet with recent experience of emerging from the second tier.
Another former City player, goalkeeper Jimmy Corcoran, was pressurised from a couple of early Cobh corners.
There was nothing he could do about the breakthrough from one of those deliveries on eight minutes. Following pinball in the box, Bargary was first to react by unleashing a shot across his body that flew into the top corner.
Coffey’s reputation as a free-scoring attacking midfielder was maintained by him popping up in a crowded penalty area to slot the loose ball into the bottom corner.
In response, Bray’s Paul Murphy had a shot blocked, the same obstacle Rhys Bradley encountered when connecting with a corner.
Substitute Justin Ferizaj smashed the ball over with 20 minutes left but at the other end Rhys Gourdie was off-target with his volley at back post.
J Corcoran; J Duggan (A Kzenga 53), K Cantwell, P Murphy, M Murphy; S Brennan, R Bartley (R Knight 46); B O’Neill, C Doyle (J Ferizaj 67), C Knight (J Ferizaj 53);C Curtis (G Almirall 67).
T Martin; I Hughes (J Häkkinen 63), C Coleman, Shane A Griffin (J Abbott 83), L Le Bervet; N O’Keeffe (R Goudrie 63), H Cribb; C Bargary (S Bellis 71), B Coffey (D McGlade 72), Shane Griffin; C Murphy.
Daniel Murphy (Dublin).
1,213.
