Finn Harps came out on top in the battle of the two newly promoted sides at Finn Park.
The home fans in a crowd of over 2,000 were in full voice when the stalemate after a tight opening period was broken on the half-hour.
Chris Breen played the ball in from the right for Stephen Parkhouse to lay it onto Conor Gethins who drilled in home.
Cobh, missing last season's leading striker Davin O'Neill, had edged the early stages but chances were at a premium in a first half played in wet conditions.
Prior to the goal, Harps only chance of note was a Stephen Parkhouse headed over the target.
At the other end Cobh had forced several corners but a weak shot from Graham Cummins was the only time that goalkeeper James Gallagher was called upon to save a shot.
On 40 minutes the visitors thought that they had equalised when Graham Cummins beat James Gallagher but a flag had been raised for off-side.
Harps, who were runners-up in the First Division last season, doubled their advantage on 47 minutes.
Gethins found Parkhouse inside the box and even though his shot was blocked by James McCarthy, Shaun Williams - one of three new signings in the Harps line-up - followed up to forced the ball in from close range.
Briefly, it looked as if Harps might put the game completely out of reach of Cobh.
But Stephen Henderson's spirited youngsters refused to buckle again and gave themselves a real lifeline on 64 minutes.
Harps failed to clear a free and in nipped Kevin Murray to guide the ball into the net with a low strike.
Finn Harps: Gallagher, Roddy, Holmes, Labonte, Malcolm, Shields, Breen, McGowan, Parkhouse, Gethins, Williams. Subs: Funston for Breen (70), Boyle for Roddy (78 mins), Brolly for Gethins (86 mins).
Cobh Ramblers: McCarthy, Carey, J. Meade, Murray, Guthrie, J. Kearney, O'Reilly, Cummins, Mulconry, Barrett, Cambridge. Subs: Lally for Mulconry (65 mins), Coleman for Barrett (74 mins).
Referee: Mr. D. Hanney (Dublin).
