Cork v Offaly: Three reasons why Rebels were able to see off Faithful County

Quality

While it may not always have been on show in a mixed performance, there was no doubting the fact that Cork were a level above their hosts and that had translated itself to the scoreboard in the shape of an eight-point lead by half-time.

When it was required, Cork were unable to up it a gear and find the scores required to keep Offaly at bay. Against Dublin next week, the application will need to be sharper to ensure a similar outcome.

Cutting edge

Offaly did finish with three goals but two of those came after the game had moved past the 70-minute mark and can put as much down to slack concentration by Cork as devastating attacking by Offaly. Though they did fashion a good second-half goal from Oisín Kelly to get within touching distance, they were denied in each half by good Patrick Collins saves when they really needed to be raising green flags to put the frighteners on Cork.

By contrast, Cork took their opportunities when they came, the four goals brought them to 15 in total across five matches.

Preparation time

Cork’s period between games probably showed itself in some of the rusty play.

However, the fact that they had four weeks to gear up for a match where they were always going to be hot favourites, was an advantage.

Compare that with Offaly having to turn around a week after winning the Joe McDonagh Cup and the celebrations that followed and then try to get the better of one of the top sides in the country.