Cork must make better use of their talents

Cork and Meath march on but in the first game last Saturday afternoon Louth clearly didn't read the script.

From the outset their intent and spirit was evident. They matched Cork for quality of play, particularly the quick ball into their excellent corner forward Colm Judge. And Shane Lennon threatened to skin Graham Canty ever time he gathered possession.

When Lennon dropped deep late on it suited Canty, and the Cork defence duly tightened up behind. But Louth never completely wilted; they proved themselves to be a very competent team.

Billy Morgan must have been relieved to get his troops into the changing-room at half-time as there were definite signs of complacency in their initial approach. Billy would have sorted that out.

Crucially, Cork's new full forward targetman, Michael Cussen, was not utilised properly. The understanding required to make his role effective was not evident and the general timing of the ball into him was poor. It didn't work.

Kerry make full use of Kieran Donaghy with a well-rehearsed diagonal ball, usually from Paul Galvin or Seán O'Sullivan.

Cork have an ideal prototype but the delivery is important. They'll have to work on it all some more. But credit must also go to the Louth full back Colin Goss. He outmuscled Cussen several times.

Cork won the game because of penetrative running from half back that set up several key scores. The Louth half-forward line failed to track back and the likes of Anthony Lynch carved through from deep. Even this running game was somewhat over-elaborate and they really should have been comfortably clear by the hour mark. Instead, they were battling through a dogfight.

There were several instances of defensive indiscipline, with Kieran O'Connor the most guilty of marking from behind. This led to easy frees that kept Louth in touch.

While the midfield diamond Cork impose played well, the effort they showed in the Munster final in Killarney was not evident here. Nicholas Murphy eventually took control of events around the middle.

The old reliance on James Masters to supply the lion's share of scoring returned, but Masters didn't bring his shooting boots.

This can be another valuable lesson. At least Kevin McMahon and Conor McCarthy delivered some important points.

Whatever Morgan said at the break they came back onto the field a revived team. In turn, Louth tired, which is understandable considering it was their seventh championship game of the summer. They were unable to stay with the Cork running game.

Goalkeeper Stuart Reynolds must be commended for keeping Louth in touch with a great save from Masters.

On reflection Cork can be happy to be tested in such a comprehensive manner. Every aspect of their game was put to the test. They passed, just not with honours. Still, they'll be better for it.

As will Meath after coming through such a stern examination from Galway. Stephen Bray really stepped up with 2-2, all clinically dispatched - I don't remember him having any more opportunities.

For most of the match, the Meath forwards were living off scraps, so such a scoring return was top class and marks Bray out as an exceptional player.

Shane O'Rourke deserves a mention for the manner in which he has graduated to senior football. He had plenty of little moments but it was the incisive ball for Bray's first goal that sticks in the mind. The second was down to lax Galway defending.

Bray's performance is in direct contrast to that of Seán Armstrong, who had three goal chances. Granted, they were well smothered by Meath goalkeeper, Brian Murphy, but should Armstrong he have tapped each opportunity over the bar for points, all at critical junctures?

Galway were disorganised in the forward line. They were playing as individuals. Pádraig Joyce needed to come in and provide some direction from the 40. They are a shadow of the All-Ireland-winning teams of 1998 and 2001.

There was more cohesion in the Meath attack, and the accuracy of Brian Farrell from frees means they are always going to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

In fairness to Galway, they turned it around thanks to the artistry of Michael Meehan. It's a rare day when Darren Fay gets wiped for a couple of scores, but Meehan did it in the second half and almost single-handedly won it for Galway.

Nicky Joyce also deserves a mention. Anthony Moyles's switch to centre back played a big part in eventually halting the Galway tide. When the stern questions were asked we saw the Meath character come to the fore. They have improved markedly since the Dublin games and must be considered All-Ireland contenders.

One thing is for certain: no one will want to be drawn against them in the quarter-final.