All about the performance for Cork
Cork have no points on the board and with Kilkenny and Tipperary down the line this game takes on an increased significance. Apart from relegation battles we rarely witness do or die battles in the league, but that is the level Cork must reach this evening.
Dublin will go into this game with some confidence and the motivation to atone for last year’s heavy league defeat by the Rebels at the same venue. Manager Ger Cunningham will have reviewed that game and have noted the missed frees and goal chance in the first-half, if converted, would have put a different complexion on matters.
He will also have seen that the “withdrawn” centre forward role handed to subPaul Ryan created many problems for Cork centre back Mark Ellis. The point-scoring by Cork that night was superb but as one Cork supporter pointed out as we left the stadium,”Where are the goals”? This remains a problem.
If Cork do nothing else this evening, they must offer the Metropolitans the physical challenge required at this level. These days, teams don’t feel mental and physical pressure when they play Cork. They now feel Cork will allow them the luxury of time and space, that they don’t get from the likes of Kilkenny or Waterford. This must be a concern for the management and it would be a huge positive if the Rebels could bring their work rate, on and off the ball, as well as harassment of their opponents to a level they have not reached so far.
Cunningham made a number of changes to his line up for last weekend. A physically strong half back line of Crummey, Rushe and Boland put the shutters up against Galway and set the tone for a physical display that had Galway on the back foot from the start.
Dublin are a different team when they start well and Cork cannot afford to allow them build up any lead.
Dublin centre-forward Niall McMorrow is not your’ traditional’ centre-forward. He relies more on pace and movement to create space for himself and colleagues and he is bound to be brimful of confidence after shooting 1-5 last weekend.
Cork must plan to curb McMorrow. He will be opposed by Mark Ellis, a holding type centre half back. Detailing Ellis to man-mark McMorrow could be a mistake as Ellis may be moved around and that would open up the middle of the Cork defence.
The pacy Dublin full forward line with the clever Dotsy O Callaghan and Mark Schutte are very capable of inflicting huge damage if they get a proper supply.They got this from half back and midfield in last season’s league semi-final and created havoc.
Only a stirring comeback in the last 20 minutes saved the day for the Rebels when they pressurised the Dubs’ defenders and supply to their attack went astray. Cork need to bring this pressure to bear from the throw in this evening.
Daniel Kearney and Brian Lawton make up Cork’s midfield. They have very similar styles and lack physique. Cork should move Bill Cooper out to midfield with Conor Lehane or Stephen Moylan going to wing forward in a five man attack.
This means Dublin will have an extra defender so Cork’s use of the ball from midfield and defence will have to be accurate, putting attackers in possession rather than hitting 50/50 balls down to the welcoming hands of tall Chris Crummey and Liam Rushe.
Cork will welcome the return of Seamus Harnedy and he has the capacity to inflict some damage, if he gets a good supply. The League points will be welcome but for Cork ,win or lose, it is all about the performance.
