Cork can capitalise on disciplined defending

JOHN O'KEEFFE FOOTBALL ANALYSTwrites that Cork will attempt to outplay Tyrone at their own game – so somebody has to blink tomorrow

FOR THE first time in a long time Cork arrive at this juncture looking like genuine All-Ireland contenders. In Tyrone and Cork we have two evenly matched teams who tactically adopt a similar approach.

Cork manager Conor Counihan has clearly learned from the Mickey Harte blueprint with a high-tempo running and support game that inter-changes players at a rate that is intended to eventually break the opposition.

The purpose of both sides is to isolate an attacking player so he can take an easy score.

I imagine Cork will attempt to outplay Tyrone at their own game. With that in mind, somebody has to blink tomorrow.

Cork are a dramatically improved outfit this year, which is a huge compliment to their character. When a team suffers the type of defeats they have experienced at the hands of Kerry in recent times it can go one of two ways.

Some teams dig deep into their resolve and come back with renewed determination. In other cases it can break their spirit entirely.

There can be no doubting the character of Graham Canty, Anthony Lynch (vital, if fit), Noel O’Leary and Nicholas Murphy – men on the end of some hugely painful defeats over long careers yet they continue to backbone this team.

Counihan has done a fine job putting this group of players together and striking the correct balance. Bringing in young, skilful players like Daniel Goulding, Colm O’Neill, Paul Kerrigan and Paddy Kelly has renewed the forward line. In midfield Alan O’Connor is an under-rated lynchpin such is his hard-working, quiet effectiveness.

The balance issue remains the most important achievement and becomes important tomorrow as at some stage the likes of Fintan Goold, Paudie Kissane, John Hayes and Fiachra Lynch can come in.

Michael Cussen remains an option but Justin McMahon has already proven his ability to handle a big man like Kieran Donaghy in last year’s All-Ireland final.

Presuming he is fit, James Masters is a real option late on as his accurate left foot could provide the marginal difference.

In this type of big game it nearly always comes down to who gets the upper hand in midfield. I have no doubt big men like Nicholas Murphy (especially with no sign of Darragh Ó Sé) will win his share of aerial ball but it will be the scramble on the ground that will be crucial. The effectiveness of Pearse O’Neill and Canty must tell against the multiple Tyrone experts in this department.

The team that dominates in this regard will be able to free up their marauding half backs – Philip Jordan and Davy Harte for Tyrone and Canty and John Miskella for Cork – who are all capable of turning games.

Harte is only too aware of Cork’s aerial prowess so expect varying short kick-outs to the wings where Joe McMahon should be utilised.

Cork look to have the necessary hunger and a new confidence we have not seen before, while their ability to finish through Goulding and O’Neill could sway matters. They need an improved contribution from Donncha O’Connor and the hard running of Paul Kerrigan out wide and Pearse O’Neill through the middle must be evident all day.

Tyrone are desperate to retain their All-Ireland but they looked a tired team against Kildare. This could be the master-tactician Harte merely priming them to peak at the semi-final but the likes of Owen Mulligan and Stephen O’Neill are markable and I’m surprised Colm McCullagh has not played a greater role this summer.

Cork’s trump card is the pace of their defence but Michael Shields must learn from the lesson Donegal’s Michael Murphy gave him by staying home and minding the square. Otherwise O’Neill will do untold damage.

Seán Cavanagh is the key for Tyrone again. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Canty or maybe even Shields becoming his shadow.

The game will be won by the most disciplined defence. Cork can capitalise here by their discipline. Instead of fouling a dangerous forward they should have the pace to get out in front of their men. It means some astute reading of the play but they must keep a manic tempo up for 70 minutes anyway. This can be done by Counihan’s use of the bench with the arrival of younger players eventually wearing Tyrone down.

He is a great footballer but, at 34, Brian Dooher could be exposed.

We know Tyrone will keep doing the simple things well and take their chances so it is critical Cork do likewise.

The All-Ireland champions have the experience and know-how to win tight games in Croke Park but my gut feeling tells me that Cork’s burning desire to finally make the breakthrough on this stage can see them into September football.

“It means some astute reading of the play but they must keep a manic tempo up for 70 minutes anyway. This can be done by Counihan’s use of the bench with the arrival of younger players eventually wearing Tyrone down