Three reasons why Cork eked out a priceless victory over Roscommon

1 - MIDFIELD: The midfield area had come into sharp focus after the defeats to Meath and Kerry in recent weeks, but the midfield pairing of Ian Maguire and Colm O’Callaghan were outstanding in this one. Gaining a foothold in midfield is so important now under the new rules.

As well as winning that department, the pair also chipped in with two points apiece.

2 - SEÁN MCDONNELL: It would be unfair to pick out one player from such a gritty team performance, but the Mallow man deserves a lot of plaudits. He was this scribes man-of-the-match. For a newcomer, in his first season with the senior team, to put in that kind of display with so much on the line is sublime. Four points, all from play, too. 

Special mention must go to Paul Walsh for his fielding, Micheál Aodh Martin for his excellent second-half save and to Daniel O’Mahony for his block to deny a Roscommon two-pointer right at the end.

3 - EFFICIENCY: So many times this season, Cork’s lack of efficiency had hindered them. Despite creating 28 scoring chances here, two less than Roscommon, the Rebels had a 64 percent conversion rate, eight percent better than the Rossies. Only six wides too for John Cleary’s team. They were more patient.

The lack of goals is a concern though. Just two scored in the last seven championship games.