Keane's efforts fill coffers of Ramblers

Cobh Ramblers 1 Manchester United 2 Roy Keane delighted his thousands of followers at Turner's Cross on Saturday by staying …

Cobh Ramblers 1 Manchester United 2 Roy Keane delighted his thousands of followers at Turner's Cross on Saturday by staying around for almost an hour after the final whistle to sign autographs and pose for photographs.

Keane, who played for Cobh Ramblers youths' and senior teams in 1989, had the satisfaction of seeing his offer to help Ramblers improve their financial situation by an estimated €50,000 as a capacity, 8,000 fans turned up to see this challenge match.

"The match was his initiative and his generous response to our call for help was typical of the relationship he has maintained with our club," said Cobh Ramblers' chairman, John O'Sullivan.

"He has always given Cobh credit for being a stepping-stone to success for him and he has never left us down."

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Keane played for an hour and was heavily involved in the action as he led a very youthful United selection. Luke Chadwick was the only other United player involved with first-team experience.

He delighted his fans when his quick free caught Cobh unprepared and enabled Mads Timm head a simple lead goal after 14 minutes.

Cobh were always competitive, and after Robert Brosnan had brought them level in the 40th minute, they lost chances to win the game and paid the penalty when Kenny Cooper snatched a goal for United four minutes from time.

"It was a great night and great to see so many people out," said Keane. "Fair play to Cobh, they put on a good show and the team played very well. We were a little fortunate to get a winner."

COBH RAMBLERS: Cuthbert; Wolfe (Neiland 65 mins), Murphy, Andrews (O'Donovan 65 mins), Meade (White 46 mins); Yelverton (Smith 65mins), Warren, Conlon (Cummins 46mins), Tynan (Lougheed 55mins); Brosnan (O'Shea 46mins), O'Reilly (Coker 55mins).

MAN UNITED SELECTION: Lee; Picken, Howard, McShane (Neumayr 46mins), Eckersley (Carlisle 46mins); Chadwick, Fox (Jones 46mins), Keane (McShane 60mins), Heath (Cooper 75mins); Timm (Ebanks-Blake 46mins), Cooper.

Referee: A Kelly (Cork).