FOOTBALL ANALYST: YESTERDAY WAS an opportunity lost for Cork, who from the outset looked the team with superior energy.
They started at a pace that Kerry couldn’t live with in every area of the field. On the rare occasion this happens against Kerry, the chances that come along must be capitalised upon, but Cork’s inside line – James Masters, Alan O’Connor and Daniel Goulding – didn’t produce the return you would expect considering the quality ball going into them. This was a day for at least two of the three to enhance their reputations. It never happened.
When you are dominating Kerry, scores must be racked up as they are guaranteed to come back. That is because of survival instincts honed over many seasons. At least they proved they have a very strong bench. David Moran and Bryan Sheehan in particular turned the tide, while Tommy Walsh’s younger brother Barry-John showed well.
Apart from Paul Galvin, who had a tremendous opening 20 minutes, Kerry looked sluggish around the middle third. When big Micheál Quirke was unable to control the kick-outs his lack of mobility was exposed. Darragh Ó Sé’s arrival settled them to an extent, but he also struggled to survive the pace of Cork’s runners.
It’s very seldom that Colm Cooper will be so well held, and credit to Anthony Lynch, even if the ball into him was poor and his shooting was off, but somehow Cork didn’t capitalise. They were better prepared; the run out against Waterford helped while Kerry seemed to be stuck in National League mode.
They won’t be next week.
Cork had chances to kill them off, but were a little unlucky that two goal chances fell to young Patrick Kelly, plus Nicholas Murphy missed a big opportunity.
After that, the Kerry machine, assisted by the bench, kicked into action. Sheehan’s arrival and free-taking ability, in particular, made the difference. Tadhg Kennelly’s long-range point was also significant.
At that helter-skelter stage of the contest Cork needed a leader. But neither Graham Canty nor Murphy were able to grab hold of the contest and drag them home, while the wise Kerry heads just chipped away; Cooper coming up with an impossible score at the end was not really a surprise.
Ironically, it took a Cork under-21, Colm O’Neill, to put them ahead down the straight. Indiscipline has long been their Achilles’ heal and it looked like Noel O’Leary was the culprit for turning a 45-metre free into a 35-metre free for Kerry.
Jack O’Connor will be pleased with the draw as his team will certainly improve. It was a big chance to catch them cold but Cork fluffed their lines when it came to the crunch.
That said, Cork have certainly improved. The depth of their panel is stronger. I was also impressed with Conor Counihan’s no-nonsense approach when Ger Spillane and James Masters were not performing. It just shows the trust he has in his panel.
O’Connor will have learned a few things as well. I can see Darragh starting next week while Killian Young is approaching full fitness and should return. Marc Ó Sé aside, the defence was under serious pressure, especially the half back line when Cork ran at them.
Another aspect of the game was the smothering approach – part of the modern game now – that made it difficult for the forward lines to prosper. Pearse O’Neill looked powerful and took his goal well from the 40. Kerry must find a way to counter his presence.
Cork should have been able to see off a stuttering Kerry. They didn’t. Kerry must be complimented for hanging in there and I feel a massive improvement is coming. Cork at home may balance that up.
Counihan’s main conundrum is what to do with Michael Cussen. Does he start him? And if so where, midfield or full forward?
My overall reaction from Dublin’s defeat of Meath was how they almost self-destructed by a continued inability to convert chances.
They are forever producing free-running, fit players. The only problem is the finished product. Three fisted efforts drifting wide is inexcusable.
More ball work and tactical emphasis in training should see the scores come without the high stress levels they currently put themselves through.
Dublin were poor. It’s just that Meath were worse; like a new team learning their trade. If Meath unearthed some composure late on they would have won the game. They remain a serious work in progress. To their credit, they displayed the typical fighting spirit of old but players like Brian Farrell lacked the essential support. Joe Sheridan needs to be a starter for them to progress.
At least Pat Gilroy will have learned an awful lot about certain players. He knows now that Ciarán Whelan is needed in the team. The same can be said of Bryan Cullen. Otherwise, he should stay loyal to the new players and hope improvements duly follow. That can only happen by instilling confidence. And that only comes with game time.
