Happily the excitement engendered by a stirring cup contest quickly removed the disappointment of a minor skirmish between rival supporters that caused the kick-off to be delayed at St Colman's Park yesterday.

Bohemians manager, Roddie Collins, was among the officials who approached the groups and appealed for order and fortunately the kick-off was delayed for no more than three minutes after the intervention of the gardai.

This was a Cobh Ramblers side of a different hue than that beaten by Bohemians in last season's playoffs and after Bohemians had deservedly taken a first-half lead Ramblers went close to equalising in the second-half.

Their leading goal-scorer, Paul Coughlan, missed a great chance when he shot over from inside the box after 47 minutes and Kenny O'Rourke wasted another opportunity when he missed the target with a header in the closing minutes.

Bohemians showed the quality you would expect from a premier division side in the first half when they capped some enterprising football with a well taken goal after 41 minutes.

Gareth O'Connor sent Tony O'Connor clear on the right and when he turned the ball across the penalty area, Graham O'Hanlon scored at the second attempt.

COBH RAMBLERS: Donegan, Kelly, Murphy, O'Rourke, Byrne, Bruton, Keane, Dalton, Butler, Coughlan, Golden. Sub: Stapleton for Butler (78 mins).

BOHEMIANS: Dempsey, T O'Connor, Mullen, Maher, Brunton, G O'Connor, Gaffney, O'Hanlon, Dempsey, Crowe, Harris. Subs: Kelly for Crowe (80 mins), Byrne for T O'Connor (86 mins).

Referee: D O'Hanlon (Waterford).