In a gripping semi-final battle of the First Division on October 28, 2025, Cobh Ramblers overcame Treaty United with a narrow 1-0 victory that came after extra time. The match, held at a venue yet to be disclosed, was a testament to endurance, as both teams clashed for a coveted spot in the final.
As the contest unfolded, it was Cobh Ramblers who struck first, with a goal in the dying minutes of regulation time at the 90-minute mark. However, as the match progressed, an unexpected twist emerged. Treaty United, buoyed by their recent form and a string of impressive victories, retaliated with a swift response, scoring at the 105-minute mark to level the match. This equalizer gave Treaty a glimmer of hope as they sought to capitalize on their momentum. The atmosphere had become electric, with both sides vying for the decisive advantage.
But the second half of extra time proved pivotal. The Ramblers managed to regain their composure, leaning into their strategy and utilizing their squad's depth. As the clock ticked down, the tensions escalated. With players from both teams exhausting their energy reserves, the match turned into a battle of will. Ultimately, Cobh Ramblers found a way through, scoring the decisive goal in extra time to seal their fate and advance to the final.
This victory marks a crucial rebound for Cobh Ramblers, who had stumbled in their most recent matches, including a setback against Treaty just days prior. Having dropped three of their last five contests and conceding 11 goals in that stretch, today's result gives them the momentum they desperately needed as they seek redemption in the league.
In contrast, Treaty United, currently positioned fifth in the standings with 48 points, are left to ponder what could have been after a strong finish to the season. The defeat underscores the inconsistency that has plagued them throughout the campaign, despite winning three out of their last five matches leading up to today. Their performance against Cobh, particularly after their recent triumph just a week ago, showcased their potential but ultimately fell short when it mattered most.
With both teams now focusing on their league standings-Cobh Ramblers sitting comfortably in second place with 69 points while Treaty United will aim to climb up the table-this match sets the stage for an exciting culmination to the First Division season. The Ramblers will now shift their eyes toward the final, eager to harness this victory as a springboard. Meanwhile, Treaty must regroup and refocus as they prepare to finish the league strong, reflecting on today's hard-fought battle that proved they are capable of challenging the best. As I pointed out in my pre-match preview, anything can happen in football, but the hope was that momentum would shift in favor of Cobh. While I was right about their potential, the drama of the encounter far exceeded my expectations.