Three reasons why Cork had too much for Offaly in Tullamore

1. First 35 minutes: 

The wind in Tullamore on Sunday afternoon had to be seen to be believed.

Offaly elected to play with it in the opening 35 minutes in order to try and be in the game at the interval.

In truth, when half-time came around, the game was pretty much over with Cork ahead by nine points. That isn’t a huge advantage now with the new rules, but it was very hard to see a way back for Offaly in the second half.

The Rebels did the groundwork in that opening half with a slick display. It wasn’t perfect but it was enough on this particular occasion against an opposition who are destined to make an immediate return to Division 3.

Cork were outscored by Offaly in the second half and that will be something the management will be looking at no doubt.

In saying that, it can be hard when you are ahead by so much.

John Cleary’s charges won by five points in the end, but you wouldn’t say they were hanging on in the closing stages, it was comfortable.

2. Attacking options: 

There has been a nice spread of scorers from Cork this season. They haven’t been relying on one player to get the bulk of the scores. It’s a different player every time.

The likes of Steven Sherlock, Mark Cronin and Chris Óg Jones were very effective in this one. 

Dara Sheedy started for the first time for Cork at senior level having made his debut in the opening game last month against Cavan. The Bantry Blues player was excellent against Offaly with his work off the ball outstanding while also chipping in with a point. 

Colm O'Callaghan scored 2-1.

Seven different scorers in this one, Cork aren’t reliant on one player to get them the scores.

3. Green flags: 

Scoring goals has been an issue for Cork over the last few years despite creating a high number of chances.

Coming into this one, the Rebels had only raised four green flags from play in their previous 12 competitive matches.

Cork would have fancied their chances of bagging a couple of goals past an Offaly side who are a bit off the mark at the moment albeit they are down bodies.

Midfield powerhouse O’Callaghan, maybe an unlikely goalscorer for some, bagged two goals in the first half.

Mark Cronin netted Cork’s third goal. 

The Leesiders didn’t register any orange flags throughout the course of the game, that maybe will be a disappointment for Cleary.