Treaty United score vital first-leg win over Cobh Ramblers at the Markets Field

TREATY UNITED have beaten Cobh Ramblers on a scoreline of 1-0 at the Markets Field in the first leg of the SSE Airtricity First Division play-off semi-final. 

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Joe Hanson's header in the 76th minute means that the Shannonsiders will bring a one-goal lead with them to St Colman's Park on Tuesday night. 

The Markets Field was exploding with life from the off, with the Treaty faithful cheering every touch of the ball and it was nearly the perfect start for Barrett's men after two minutes when the ball fell to defender Richkov Boevi in the Cobh box. 

The centre-back couldn't make sufficient contact with the ball and his effort dragged just wide of Timothy Martin's post in the Cobh net.

After a rip-roaring start, the contest began to simmer down after a quarter of an hour, with both sides putting together neat passages of play but unable to carve out any real chances of note.

Lee J Lynch began to become more and more involved in the game as the half wore on as did winger Mark Byrne. Dooradoyle native Lynch was able to get his foot on the ball and carve out some real chances for his side. 

The midfielder nearly found the net himself after 25 minutes, when he took aim from distance, which forced a fine save from Martin.

Lynch had another half chance moments later from an acute angle but his effort was smothered yet again by Martin. The Cobh clearance from Lynch's chance set Rhys Gourdie on his way for the away side and his effort was blocked on the edge of the box.

The game became hectic in this period, with Lynch having another effort saved after being put through one on one via a swift Treaty counter attack. 

After a cagey opening 20 minutes or so, the game was starting to open up with both sides registering chances in what was soon becoming a breathless opening half.

The away side were beginning to settle and the Treaty defence had to be resolute at times.

Mark Byrne, who had been busy throughout the opening 45', was unfortunate not to give the Shannonsiders the lead after 38 minutes when he pulled an effort just wide after yet another Treaty counter-attack. 

Cobh had some chances of their own but in truth, the Treaty back four with Chambers behind them, were able to keep the Cork men's threat to a minimum. 

Referee Oliver Moran sounded for half-time which gave both players and fans alike the chance to draw breath in what was a boisterous opening half.             

There was to be a slow start to the second half with both sides perhaps still felling the effects of the first half that went before them.

Cobh had the first real chance of the half after 55 minutes via a corner when Cian Coleman flashed a header agonisingly wide of Corey Chambers' post.

Lee Devitt nearly added to his season's impressive goal tally on 63 minutes when a Lee J Lynch cross found Devitt but he scuffed his shot straight at Martin, who was being kept busy.

The Markets Field fell silent momentarily after 68 minutes when the ball fell to Ryan Gourdie just outside the Treaty box, luckily for the home side, his effort flashed over the bar. 

Cobh were beginning to build some momentum as the second half progressed and they came within inches of taking the lead on 70 minutes when Cian Bargary's long-range effort cannoned off the underside of the Treaty crossbar. 

Treaty, to their credit, were able to weather the storm and hit back with the perfect response. Substitute Joe Hanson rose highest at the back post to head home after an inch perfect cross courtesy of Mark Byrne.

The Markets Field erupted with Treaty now having a lead to hold onto for the final quarter of an hour. 

There was to be no more goalmouth action for the remainder of the game. The Shannonsiders stood firm against any threat posed by the visitors and Treaty will take a 1-0 aggregate lead to St Colman's Park on Tuesday night. 

TREATY UNITED: Corey Chambers, Evan O'Connor, Richkov Boevi, Eoin Martin, Ben Lynch, Colin Conroy, Lee J Lynch (Ben Lee 89 mins), Karl O'Sullivan, Lee Devitt, Mark Byrne, Patrick Ferry (Joe Hanson 58 mins, inj.)

COBH RAMBLERS: Timothy Martin, Lestyn Hughes, Niall O'Keefe, Shane Griffin, Cian Bargary, Barry Coffey, Cian Murphy, Rhys Gourdie (Matthew Whelan 83 mins), Cian Coleman, Jonas Hakkinen, Dylan McGlade (Samuel Bellis 72 mins).

REFEREE: Oliver Moran