A fine hat-trick from Dave Warren gave Cobh Ramblers three points against Finn Harps at St Coleman’s Park, the 3-0 win guaranteeing the home side fourth place in the eircom League First Division for the season.
Ramblers jumped in front after just four minutes. A Finn Harps defender slipped on the edge of the area, allowing Warren clean through to shoot past the stranded James Gallagher.
Warren then scored two goals in two minutes. The first came just after the hour, when he sent a low shot past Gallagher after the visitors were slow to clear.
He completed his hat-trick by firing home a cross from full-back Alan Carey.
While Warren was the goal scoring hero in a comfortable win, there was a turning point in the match after an hour of the action.
Finn Harps player/manager Anthony Gorman struck a free-kick which brought a good diving save from Cobh goalkeeper James McCarthy.
The ball flew into the air, with visiting centre-back Eloka Asuka missing the rebound from in front of goal.
Cobh Ramblers: McCarthy; Carey, Meade, Murray, Falvey; O'Neill, Coleman (King 80 mins), Mulconry, Yelverton; Cummins (Cambridge 75), Warren.
Finn Harps: J Gallagher; McGowan, Minnock, Asukah, M Crossan,
Funston, Curran, Bell (G Crossan 65), J Gallagher, Walsh, Gorman.
Referee: Conor Fitzgerald (Dublin).
