Three reasons why Cork footballers lost narrowly to Dublin
Cork players react to a decision against Dublin. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
After being so resolute defensively in the game for the most part, Cork will be so disappointed by the concession of the Dublin goal after 45 minutes. It was a crucial stage, the game was level, but Dessie Farrell's team caught the Rebels asleep from an indirect free.
Cork weren’t set up properly. There was three points in it at the end with the Dubs' goal giving them the belief to win the game, if they needed it.
In big games this year, Cork’s ability to kick two-pointers proved important. They didn’t register one here.
John Cleary’s team had just one realistic two-point effort which came late on in the second half from a Seán McDonnell free that didn’t find the target. It would have been a huge score. Cork were two points behind with four minutes left.
The Dubs only managed one two-pointer though, but it was key.
Cork were praised and rightly so for winning the midfield battle in the win against Roscommon a week ago. They did struggle in this one with Stephen Cluxton’s kickouts playing a part in why Dublin found that extra gear.
Paul Walsh and Seán Walsh, so effective in winning the dirty ball against Roscommon, weren’t so prominent here.
He was one of the reasons why they won. He cleaned up from the breaking ball.
App?
