Cork football talking points: Avoiding relegation must now be the priority

1. Performance 

THE result was a major priority on Saturday, but a strong performance to get the crowd on the edge of their seats after a difficult start to the league was also a must for the Rebels. 

Cork did perform quite well in the first half, and would have gone into the dressing room buzzing after landing the last four points of the half to lead by three at the break.

But, similar to the previous two games against Donegal and Louth, Cork weren’t able to perform for the 70-plus minutes. Cavan were fast out of the traps after the short whistle, and for one reason or another Cork weren’t able to match them. That was when the Rebels had 15 players on the pitch. Luke Fahy’s dismissal ten minutes into the second half, was a blow, but it was levelled up late on when Cavan themselves were reduced to 14 players. 

The inability to perform for the majority of the game is a major issue and one of the reasons why Cork are pointless after three matches.

It's a quick turnaround to Fermanagh away next weekend, and what the management can sort out between now and then remains to be seen. Worrying.

2. Efficiency 

THERE has been no doubt about it, Cork created plenty of chances in the first two league games, albeit they were also conceding a lot at the other end of the pitch. Above in Ballybofey first day out, Cork did trouble the Donegal defence but wayward shooting left them down, and the problem was much more of an issue against Louth two weeks ago. Cork created four clear-cut goal opportunities, but were unable to take any.

It was the same again on Saturday, Cork’s ability to create chances is a positive, but the constant failure to convert remains a huge problem

At the same time, the team are coughing up plenty of chances too, conceding 0-17 to Cavan and the inability to lock down their dangerman Paddy Lynch proved a hammer blow 

3. Relegation 

Before a ball was kicked in anger this season, the Cork management targeted promotion back to the top flight and rightly so. Especially after finishing fourth in the league last season. 

But, John Cleary’s side have now suffered defeat in the first three games and the harsh reality of it is that returning to Division 3 is a real possibility now. Promotion is gone up in smoke and finishing in the top four is a long shot which is hugely important in securing Sam Maguire participation this season. 

Cork thought they had left Division 3 behind when they gained promotion from the third tier of the league four years ago.