John Cleary on big win over Kildare: 'We were hurt after Derry, the lads were determined to put on a performance'

Cork manager John Cleary says his team were eager to write the wrongs of their heavy defeat to Derry against Kildare at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday evening.

The Rebels were trounced by 20 points up north two weeks ago but bounced back in style against the Lilywhites on a scoreline of 1-31 to 2-19.

Cork are on ten points from six games in the Allianz Division 2 Football League as a result of this one, two points clear of Derry as it sets them up nicely for the final game away to Tyrone next Sunday.

The Rebels require a positive result to secure promotion, but they mightn’t need it if Derry slip up against Cavan.

“We were hurt after that Derry game, there might have been reasons for it, but nobody likes to get a beating like that,” Cleary said post-match after the win over Kildare.

“We had the break and our trip away. The first thing we wanted to do was atone for the Derry game.

“That one result was an outlier really. The lads were determined, particularly in front of the home supporters, to put on a performance.

“We knew in Derry that it wasn’t acceptable, but all you can do is learn from it. And I think we took the learnings from it and we parked it pretty quickly after that day and we were totally focused on Kildare.

“If you had given me a nine-point victory this morning I would have bitten the hand off for it. So we’ll take that and move on.

“We never looked like losing the game. It never came down to that. We didn’t panic. Nine points is a fair reflection, particularly the way we played in the first half.” 

The platform for this win was Cork’s 16-point lead at half-time helped by eight orange flags as they made wind advantage count. The second 35 minutes was a bit dicey at times, but the Rebels stood strong.

“The accuracy was excellent and there were some great scores kicked in the first half,” the Cork boss says.

“We worked very hard there over the last couple of weeks, the week we were away and even this week. We were excellent in the first half. As I said to the lads, this is what we wanted. We were probably maybe at the start of the year fourth and in some cases fifth favourites to go up.

“We’ve given ourselves a chance.” 

It’s another victory at Páirc Uí Rinn as Cork’s strong recent record at the stadium continues.

“I think there was a nice atmosphere again this evening. We have a fairly good record here. You know, I think the Meath match was outstanding and everyone knew that today was going to be another big one.

“Any time we play here, the lads love playing here. We train a lot here. And, you know, it gives probably a better feel to it, a better atmosphere with that type of a crowd.

“I think the guys buy into it. Look, if we’re going up the country to other teams, that’s the kind of grounds we’re playing in. Derry have that kind of a ground and the crowd really get behind them.

“It definitely does make a difference. And look, all you’re trying to do is eke out any little bit of an advantage you can. And that’s what we’re trying to do.”