John Cleary rues Cork losing midfield battle to Meath

Seán Walsh's presence was sorely missed in midfield by Cork. 

Cork lost Mattie Taylor to an injury during the game. Their list of those unavailable already includes Brian Hurley, Conor Corbett, Tommy Walsh and Seán Walsh. Pic: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Cork manager John Cleary rued losing the midfield battle and giving up too many turnovers as his side began their All-Ireland series with a defeat in Navan.

If losing possession was the problem towards the end of the first half, not winning enough of it in the kick-out battles in the second was the reason for the defeat.