Like other dedicated supporters, who travelled from the Rebel County I was let down by the poor performance by the players

LAST Friday night it was back to Tallaght, where it all began for me. 

A lot has changed since the start of the Cork City season. 

Except for the weather. It's as cold as it was the first time I came to support Cork in Dublin against Rovers.

The cycle is almost complete. 

The LOI starts with low temperatures and ends when it gets cold again, unlike what happens in Europe. 

Here in Ireland we have had some sunny spells. Just as we had rays of hope here and there from Cork City this season.

I had a good feeling for Friday. 

Looking at most of the games, I genuinely thought that the squad were overdoing it when the game mattered more than the average. 

I was even convinced that visiting imponent venues would motivate the Rebels rather than intimidate them (as we all know, it can go both ways in football and in life in general).

The epic 4-4 draw in March led me to believe that Tallaght was some talisman for the Leesiders.

I was sorely mistaken. 

Like other dedicated supporters, who travelled from the Rebel County and other parts of Ireland, I was let down by the poor performance by the players.

Nothing new under the sun (or chill, I should say). 

The disparity between the commitment of the supporters and the low level on the pitch is glaring. 

Cork City deserves a lot of skilled individuals who are willing to give everything to win. 

That's what sport is all about. You wear that shirt to sweat, not to look cute.

Friday's game was indeed like a final. 

Unfortunately, the only side that seemed to treat it like that were Waterford. 

They turned up with the clear intention of ending the run of disappointments in this particular contest. 

Enough is enough, the Waterford fan might have said every November. 

Which I now suspect is a saying around Turner's Cross and its environs.

The Blues cleared their play-off haunting at our expense. 

Well deserved. I hated to see City relying on the counterattack, as if we were some team trying to get lucky. 

In fact, we had clear chances to score but the lads incredibly missed them. 

Perhaps the strategy could have worked if we had been effective in front of the goal?

Anyway, I'd rather dominate in midfield and in possession. 

Anything else is just chance or depending on an outstanding striker like Keating who not only puts the ball in the back of the net but also makes space for others to get into the box.

The Mayo man went off at the break with an injury, and the same appears to be happening to the other two in the first half. 

I know it's the end of the season and players tend to feel that. 

Nevertheless, there were too many physical problems for us. 

Waterford had none of that. Except when a cramp epidemic struck the Blues, ironically in the closing minutes of the game.

The City supporters were indefatigable. 

I may be biased, but I feel we are one of the best. 

No other club can compare in terms of the discrepancy between the effort we put in and what we receive back from the pitch.

Friday night was a paradigm. 

The Rebel Army cheered continuously for 120 minutes and there was no real excitement to justify it.

I reckon it goes beyond the scenes. 

Coaches and management also owe a word to the fellow who follows Cork wherever they go. 

I'll go into detail next time about what we failed to do. There is a lot to go through.