Despite being behind for the majority, Cobh left Markets field with maximum points after three late goals
Treaty United have slipped to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Cobh Ramblers in the opening round of the SSE Airtricity First Division tonight at Markets Field.
After going 2-0 up through goals from Richkov Boevi and Lee Devitt, it looked like the Markets Field faithful would be going home happy. Even after Cian Coleman halved the deficit in the 83rd minute, it seemed like ‘The Shannonsiders’ would hold on.
Cian Murphy and David Bosnjak would go on to flip the script, scoring in the 90th and 94th minute respectively, to send the travelling fans back in high spirits at the expense of the home crowd.
Tommy Barrett’s lineup was full of experience from last year. Ben Lynch was the sole debutant while Karl O’Sullivan, Joe Hanson, goalkeeper Carl Williams, and Eoin Martin all made debuts off the bench.
In the opening half-hour, both sides created half-chances, with Treaty United goalkeeper Corey Chambers dealing well with whatever came his way. At the other end, the hosts squandered a chance on the counter after the Cobh defence cut out a Lee Devitt ball.
The deadlock was then broken when a free kick into the box broke to Treaty defender Richkov Boevi who smashed the ball home, putting his side 1-0 up.
Despite having chances to increase their lead, Treaty had to defend strongly to keep their slim lead going into the half time break.
The second half started with the visitors coming into the game strongly. They looked increasingly threatening with each attack but despite this, Treaty once again defended valiantly and held Ramblers out.
Looking to get a hold of the game back, manager Tommy Barrett turned to the bench bringing on Karl O’Sullivan and Joe Hanson both making their first appearances tasted action for Treaty at Markets Field.
Just when it looked like ‘The Rams’ were set to equalise, a Lee Devitt shot was saved by Cobh Ramblers goalkeeper Timothy Martin, who sent the effort out for a corner.
From the ensuing set-piece, Devitt put the ball into the keeper’s six-yard box and the ball ended up in the back of the Cobh net much to the delight of the home support.
Despite being 2-0 down in the 79th minute, Cobh never let up and finally found the net through new signing Cian Coleman five minutes later.
Cobh clearly took confidence from this. Sensing there was an opportunity for more goals, they pushed forward bombarding Treaty with balls into the box.
They were rewarded minutes later through David Bosnjak before Cian Murphy completed the comeback and sealed victory for Cobh Ramblers late on.
Next up for Treaty United is Athlone Town away next Friday, February 21.
Treaty United: Corey Chambers; Evan O’Connor, Richkov Boevi, Mark Walsh (C),Fionn Doherty; Ben Lynch, Colin Conroy; Lee Devitt, Lee Lynch; Yoyo Mahdy, Trpimir Vrljicak.
Subs: Karl O’Sullivan for L Lynch (57′), Joe Hanson for Mahdy (60′), David Tarmey for Vrjicak (92′), Carl Williams for Chambers (92′), Eoin Martin for O’Connor (92′).
Cobh Ramblers: Martin Timothy; Nolan Evers, Cian Coleman, Shane Griffin, Cian Bargary; Shane Griffin, Barry Coffey, Luka Le Bervet, Samuel Bellis; Dale Holland, Cian Murphy.
Subs: Niall O’Keefe for Holland (59′), David Bosnjak for Bellis (78′), John O’Donovan for Evers (82′), Jonas Hakkinen for Coffey (82′), Jason Abbott for Le Bervet (82′)
Referee: Ryan Maher