Cork v Tyrone: Three reasons why the Rebels lost

1- Efficiency 

CORK would have been pleased at half-time as they led 0-10 to 0-9 but in truth should have been at least five points clear. The Rebels' shooting in front of goal left them down especially in the opening 35 minutes when they had the lion's share of the possession. Cork would have targeted a strong start to the second half and two minutes in they had an outstanding chance to raise a green flag but when a goal looked a high probability, Paul Walsh skewed his shot wide.

It was a momentum shifter as Tyrone grew into the game after that and when they had their goal opportunity, Ben Cullen calmly slotted home.

2 – Experience 

There’s no doubt that Tyrone are an excellent side on their day and unfortunately on this occasion, they were tuned in. The Ulster side saw out the game superbly and showed why they won the All-Ireland as recently as three years ago. They never panicked and kept Cork at arms-length.

On the other hand, when Cork led by two points in the first half and even when they led by a point seven minutes into the second half, they were unable to kick on. Some poor decision making proved costly.

3 – Lack of spread of scorers 

Cork were too reliant on their full-forward line to chip in with scores with Steven Sherlock, Chris Óg Jones and Mark Cronin scoring 0-15 out of Cork’s final tally of 0-17. Wing-forward Brian O’Driscoll kicked 0-2.

On the other hand, Tyrone had 10 different scorers. Cork failed to get other forwards Seán Powter and Paul Walsh properly into the game while Rory Maguire and Matty Taylor were well marked coming out of defence. The pair of them were influential in the win over Donegal two weeks ago.