Three reasons why Cork were too strong for Kildare
Ian Maguire of Cork with supporters after the win over Kildare. Picture: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Cork are one of a good few teams who have mastered getting two-pointers. Not all sides have got to grips with it, but the Rebels are blessed to have so many attacking options and brilliant long-range shooters.
The Rebels kicked eight two-pointers in the first 35 minutes. They didn’t get any in the second half, but they made the most of the elements in that first half.
It was an exhibition of kicking from Cork even if Kildare allowed the home side plenty of space.
It really was a joy to watch and it laid the foundation for the Rebels to pick up a fifth victory in six games. Cork were 16 points clear at the break.
Cork have a brilliant record of recovering from setbacks over the last few years. It’s a great sign of a team.
This nine-point victory is made more impressive considering the 20-point loss away to Derry in the previous game. That heavy defeat could have been a very damaging one for Cork’s promotion prospects.
The break did come at a decent time and also the four-day warm-weather training camp in Portugal.
Key players returning also bolstered the team and the Rebels were like their normal selves at the weekend.
They did only score nine points in the second half albeit they were against the wind. That will be something the Cork management will look at.
The Leesiders handled the pressure and delivered especially after a big cheer went around Páirc Uí Rinn before throw-in after the Derry loss to Louth was announced over the PA system.
Make no mistake about it, there’s something special when the Cork footballers play at the Boreenmanna Road venue. It’s such a huge advantage.
It’s a big difference from playing in the big house, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The tight compact surroundings suits an ambush and Cork have really made the most of it against Kildare and Meath three weeks ago.
There was no official attendance given out at the weekend, but the crowd was slightly down on the Meath match. It wasn’t very noticeable though, the home crowd got right behind the team and roared them home.
There was a few mentioning afterwards that the Cork footballers should play all their home games at Páirc Uí Rinn. There’s no possibility of that but they will try and get the odd game at the stadium when possible going forward. It's a nice backup to have.
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