A step in the right direction for rising Cork
The League points on offer were of little consequence to Cork but putting one over on the All-Ireland champions would have given them a much needed boost.
Cork were the better team in the first period. Kilkenny’s management restructured the forward line at half time and it had a better balance thereafter. Walter Walsh, now right half forward, helped out in midfield while replacement James Maher operated on the left flank of the attack and brought more strength and industry. Richie Hogan went to top of the left,effectively playing a free role.
Colin Fennelly, one of their most effective attackers in the first-half, went to full-forward while midfielder Lester Ryan, an early replacement for the unfortunate Conor Fogarty, pushed forward regularly, scoring two important points. Corner back Paul Murphy held his position well: he didn’t follow Luke O’Farrell out the field and swept up in front of the full back line.
Kilkenny ran more directly at the Cork defence in the second-half and probed for weaknesses. Their hard work was rewarded with two goals as the clock ticked down. Colin Fennelly played a lovely ‘one two’ with Richie Hogan who delayed his ‘over the top’ pass just long enough to put Fennelly through with the ball being knocked over the line by the scrambling defence. Moments later TJ Reid released John Power. His miss hit pass fell to the supporting Reid, who goaled.
They snatched victory at the death and ultimately it was the small things their experience gave them that saw them home.
Winner alright! Not often one sees this man celebrate. Usually in September. #GAA #AllianzLeagues pic.twitter.com/UaDAsUfxzV
— sportsfile (@sportsfile) March 12, 2016
At the other end Cork showed some inexperience. Bill Cooper shot wide from a tight angle and O’Farrell went for a ‘hail Mary’ from the wing when a cross towards the excellent Seamus Harnedy would have been the better option. Cork struck 12 wides and two apiece in the first-half by Pat Horgan and Conor Lehane were costly. They shot too quickly when a little extra composure might have paid dividends at a time Kilkenny were under pressure. I wrote on Saturday the game was all about guts, effort, being highly competitive and learning for future battles.
Whether Cork learned a lot will be determined later in the season but no one could fault them on the competitive aspects of their performance.
Their application and commitment was high from the throw in and they won the first half battle. It was obvious the hosts were up for this and Midleton pair, O’Farrell and Conor Lehane set the work rate standard.
In general play the half back line of Cormac Murphy, Christopher Joyce, who looks much more at home in this line, and Lorcan McLoughlin led a heroic defence, whose determination, tenacity and ‘never say die’ spirit was in evidence all night.
But I also wrote on Saturday good discipline was a prerequisite to compete with Kilkenny. Too many frees were conceded by the team in blue. TJ Reid banged over 10 points from frees. Why hand him easy chances? It makes more sense to force the other attackers to shoot under pressure and take your chances. At least half of the frees conceded by Cork could have been avoided with disciplined tackling.
At the death a misplaced delivery by Cork goalkeeper Patrick Collins straight to John Power decided the game. But if Cork hadn’t conceded as many frees maybe the fixture might have been decided in their favour at that juncture.
High scoring affair as @KilkennyCLG beat @OfficialCorkGAA 2-23 to 2-22 in the #AllianzLeagues! @LiveGAAResults pic.twitter.com/tOFaC4BWvU
— Inpho Photography (@Inphosports) March 12, 2016
Collins had distributed the ball well and he will be disappointed with his misplaced pass. However it says something about his character he wasn’t prepared to settle for a draw - he was attempting to win the game by putting his team in possession. Attempting to do the right thing is always a mitigating factor when it comes to constructive criticism. His execution let him down on this occasion. He set up as if he was striking to his nearest colleague but it was as if he changed his mind on his downward swing. He may have been over ambitious with this delivery but he can be very satisfied with his display overall.
Cork need to work on taking a quick look before striking to the forwards but there are plenty of positives.
Kilkenny will be very happy with this win. It’s reminiscent of their recent victory over Tipp, illustrating once more their undoubted resilience.
