Three talking points from Cork's late win over Cavan

It was a nervy opening to Cork’s Allianz National Football League Division 2 campaign, but substitute Steven Sherlock rescued the Rebels with a late two point free as Cork completed an impressive comeback to defeat Cavan.

The two points on the board are of huge importance to John Cleary’s side as they chase promotion to the top flight, but there is still plenty from Sunday’s win that Cork will need to improve upon over the coming weeks if they want to realise that ambition.

TOO CAUTIOUS 

Cork’s attacking approach was far too cautious in the first half and for large parts of the second. The Rebels were marred with hesitation, allowing Cavan’s defence the time to close down the space. Far too often they were turning back and looking to recycle, even if there was a gap there to exploit within the Cavan defence.

It certainly improved the Rebels’ ball retention, something that they need to get right this season after often being too rash throughout last year, but they need to get the balance right. Overcompensating for that issue is still going to hamper them. They need to be assured and precise. Against Cavan they were precise, but far too lethargic.

When Cork were a lacking a little in creative intent, they were still finding opportunities from Seán Walsh and Brian O’Driscoll, both of whom got on a lot of ball throughout that first half and large parts of the second, as the pair continuously carved Cavan open. Ruairí Deane hovered inside the full-forward line and positioned himself well, but at times it looked as though he was more intent on laying it off to someone else, rather than taking the shot on.

At times, Cork seemed solely intent on putting together a two-point opportunity, and they passed up on one too many white flags.

IMPACT FROM THE BENCH

But, to the credit of Cleary and his side, their approach changed dramatically in the closing 10 minutes when Cork ramped up the intensity, and their subs delivered.

Ian Maguire contributed to halting Cavan’s kcikout retention at the halfway line – an area that they had targeted all game – while Dara Sheedy brought a level of pace and energy only matched by Cavan forward Dara McVeety.

Matty Taylor too was influential in that regard, while Steven Sherlock constantly made himself available as a two-point option and ultimately proved to be the winning of the game.

CONCERN 

At the other end though, Cork really struggled to deal with the aforementioned McVeety. Between his pressure on restarts and the kilometres he covered in an out of possession, Seán Brady really struggled to contain him.

And unlike the first hour of Cork’s display, Cavan were not afraid to be dynamic in and around the arc. The best example of it was the second goal that captain Ciarán Brady dispatched, as McVeety faked the two-point shot before slipping through and laying it off to Brady, who finished comfortably.

Where Cork were making diagonal runs in the final third to draw Cavan defenders out of position in an effort to create a two-point play, Cavan were assured and precise. It was only in the final minutes, when their kickouts unravelled and they turned over possession too cheaply that Cork snatched victory.

But for large parts of that contest the Breffni men were on top, and Cork will need to be more decisive with possession.