And just like that, in what feels like the blink of an eye, the SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division reaches the midway point once the final whistle is blown tomorrow evening, with the Kingdom making their first trip to St. Colman’s Park of the season before the turn of the fixtures.
Kerry come into the game in a good run of form, with just 1 loss in the last 5, or 2 in the last 8 if you’re a glass-half-full type of onlooker. Healy’s side have been impressive at home, unbeaten in the last 5, but away form will need to improve in the second half of the campaign if Kerry are to close the gap on the play-off places. To date, the Kingdom have just 4 points on the road from a possible 24, and finds themselves without a win away from home in the league this season. But the recent upturn in form included a draw away to Athlone Town a couple of weeks ago, so fans can be optimistic heading for Cobh on what has been a sweltering week in Kerry.
Cobh, meanwhile, enjoyed a late win against Treaty last time out and will want to make it back-to-back Munster Derby victories to close the opening half of the season. They will likely reach the turn in the play-off places, and the Cork outfit would like to stay there for as long as possible.
Kerry currently occupies 9th place and could make the turn in as high as 7th, but positions aside, Kerry has 8 points to make up to reach those top 5 spots, a task that is very much still in reach at the midway point.
Head-to-head (League & FAI Cup)
Kerry FC Wins – 2 Draws – 5 Cobh Ramblers Wins – 8
Did You Know?
There are multiple names on the team sheet that have played for both of these Munster Rivals. Oran Crowe now dons the maroon after 2 years with the Kingdom. Jonas Häkkinen, Cian Murphy and Cian Bargary all signed for the Kingdom from Cobh during the winter transfer window.
Injury Update
It’s almost as you were for Colin Healy and availability for tomorrow night’s game. Kerry will be boosted by the return of Cian Bargary from a 3 game suspension. Jonas Häkkinen missed out last Friday through injury, he will be assessed. Daniel Okwute returned to the matchday 20 last week for the first time since February, but has yet to get minutes since his return. Harry Halwax, Finn Barrett, Kieran Cooney and Arran Healy all remain absent.
‘What they said’
Colin Healy – “We want to bring that home form with us, absolutely. But it’s a tough place to go. I keep saying it, the players are looking forward to it, and we will focus on ourselves. They had a good result against Treaty last Friday night. They have quality within the team, but so do we! It will be a good game, it’s one that we are looking forward to. It’s been a good training week in the Kerry sunshine, so we are ready for Friday night.”