Cork forced to resort to hit and hope
They would have imagined an all-action pressurising game by the men in red resulting in certain victory over the misfiring Galway.
The opposite was the case.
Galway’s Jonathan Glynn’s first-minute goal set the tone for this game. He literally strolled through Cork’s defence without a proper tackle. Cork goalkeeper and captain Anthony Nash, the last line of defence, should have advanced and put in a challenge but he stayed on his line, allowing Glynn to finish without difficulty.
A moment later Jason Flynn struck over an easy point and Galway were on their way.
Cork trailed badly in their wake as the game neared the finish. The Rebels were resigned to their fate after the 60th minute. Twice within the next 60 seconds Cork centre Mark Ellis made avoidable mistakes that handed points to Cathal Mannion and the aforementioned Glynn.
Effectively the game was over. Galway struck a goal and six points down the stretch. Cork could only reply with two points as they resorted to hitting hopeful deliveries into their attack, efforts that were dealt with easily by the Tribesmen. Galway, on the other hand, had time and space to pick out colleagues with effective passing.The Rebels failed to curb the influence of Glynn all afternoon. His work rate was immense and he was highly effective under puck-outs. Galway goalkeeper Colm Calnan hit the vast majority of his restarts into his half forward line and the tall wing forward provided a platform for Galway, winning clean catches and laying off some excellent passes. Not alone was he prominent in attack but he was also tackling back, making a brilliant interception on his own 13 metre line, denying Conor Lehane a goal chance on 46 minutes. Glynn created the second goal for impressive debutant Conor Whelan. This strike was the icing on the cake for Galway.
Damien Cahalane was sent off for a second yellow with 20 minutes left. Aidan Walsh, under pressure played a ball sideways across his defence. I mentioned the high risk nature of this type of defensive support play after the Wexford game and Cork paid a severe penalty for it on this occasion.
Joseph Cooney fastened onto the ball at pace. Cahalane’s tackle probably prevented a goal but it saw Cork reduced to 14 men with 20 minutes remaining. Six points separated the teams at this juncture and Cork upped their play and took the game to Galway for the next 10 minutes.
Galway looked a little shaky with a quarter of hour remaining but Cork needed a goal, which never looked likely. Cork’s support play up front wasn’t at the required standard for this level as too often the player in possession off-loaded too quickly before drawing in a defender or the supporting attacker took up a poor position.
Galway’s movement up front, workrate and application were far superior from the off. Cork seemed flat in contrast to the Clare game. Beaten by 12 points at the finish is put into context by Galway’s wides tally. At half time Cork would have retreated to the safety of their dressing relieved that they were only four points behind. Across the hall Galway manager Anthony Cunningham must have been pleased with their general play but frustrated with their wide count. They finished the first half with nine wides to Corks three. Included in their tally was four from the normally accurate Joe Canning. On a different day, Galway could have been out of sight by the short whistle.
The Westerners’ movement up front caused the Cork defence many problems as they seemed unsure of their marking roles, particularly in the early stages. Galway corner forward Cathal Mannion struck five points from play from seven possessions in this half.
Cork were off the pace in the middle third. Brian Lawton and Bill Cooper, immense in the sector the last day out failed to influence proceedings on this occasion. The Rebels’ tackling and application was well down on the Clare game. A sweeper is most effective when the work of the forwards and midfielders ensure many misdirected deliveries are struck under pressure into his zone. He then has the opportunity to launch counter attacks.
And this is where Cunningham deserves great credit. Galway’s play reduced the influence of Cork sweeper Mark Ellis by playing intelligent angled ball into the forwards.
Before the game their fans worried what Galway team would turn up. They got their answer from the opening whistle.
If they can replicate this attitude and cohesion they will cause Tipperary some headaches in the semi-final next month.
