Cork manager John Cleary: 'We have to be in top form to get a result against Offaly'

Cork manager John Cleary says his side will have to be on their guard as they prepare to travel to Tullamore this weekend to take on Offaly.

The Rebels are top of the Allianz Division 2 Football League after wins over Cavan and Louth to start their campaign.

Now they lock horns with Offaly at Glenisk O’Connor Park on Sunday at 2pm. The home side have lost their opening two matches against Louth and Kildare.

“We know that Sunday is going to be a challenge,” Cleary says.

“All these games in Division 2 are even enough games. We are treating Offaly with the utmost respect. They are playing at home and home advantage is an advantage for sure. We are looking forward to it, but we know that Offaly on their day are formidable opponents and a match for anyone.

“Looking at their two matches this year and studying them, we have to be in top form on Sunday like we were the last day against Louth if we want to get a result in Tullamore.

“Offaly have a lot of young players. They had a couple of very good U20 teams in recent years and they are building a lot on that. Also, Offaly have an excellent management team including Declan Kelly and Mickey Harte.

“It’s always tough going up to Tullamore. Even going back to my playing days, there were a couple of times where we were expected to come out on top up there and we didn’t. It will be a tough challenge.” 

After a patchy performance against Cavan at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh first day out, Cork were much improved in what was a controlled showing last Sunday week against Louth in Drogheda.

It was the perfect away display in lots of ways against the reigning Leinster champions.

“Looking back on it, the goal and the two two-pointers were crucial before half-time,” the Cork boss said on the victory over Louth.

“It meant we had a bit of a cushion and in the second half we controlled it better than previous times we were ahead in games. That’s experience and learning from the past. That was particularly pleasing from the last day.

“With how the game is gone now, there’s going to be lots of goal chances and at least we did get a goal against Louth. It’s a thing that every team will be going after now in terms of getting goals and we are no different.” 

Cork will be looking to remain at the summit of the table when Sunday evening comes around especially with Meath coming to Leeside the following week. 

“All these games are big games. There’s two points on offer in every one. The Offaly two points is just as big as any other two points.

“That’s the way we are treating it. All we want to do is get up to Offaly, put in a performance and hopefully get over the line. Then we can dust ourselves down and then we have to face Meath the following week and then after that we have to head for Derry.

“It’s a very competitive league and we are delighted to be in the thick of it now. Hopefully we can get a performance on Sunday that gets us over the line.”