Cork v Meath: Player Ratings from Croke Park as Steven Sherlock shines
TOP GUN: Steven Sherlock clipped 0-8 against Meath on Sunday. Picture: INPHO/James Crombie
Terrific save in the 40th minute with his leg when the ball was heading into the bottom corner.
Cork did struggle at times on short kick-outs to the edge of the arc when Meath pressed high. It's an area they'll need to look at in the coming weeks.
Maurice Shanley: Very prominent in the first half with surging runs from defence, as well as tackling tenaciously.
Took a hefty knock while Meath sub James Conlon came in and caused issues.
A powerhouse at full-back.
Always handed the toughest man-marking tasks, in this case, league top-scorer Jordan Morris. Fared very well holding Morris to 0-2 from play. 8.
Solid display in the last line of defence where the issues they faced were largely down to Cork’s inability to secure enough kick-outs, especially their own.
Took a while to hit his stride but kept at it and should have been awarded a free when Cork were rallying in the closing stages.
Meath number 11 Ruairí Kinsella was the official Man of the Match but Walsh contributed well for Cork on the counter.
On the world of ball in the first half down the left flank but pegged back more in the second.
Cork struggled for long spells to replicate the supremacy they had in the air at Páirc Uí Rinn in Croker, where Jack Flynn was the MVP at midfield and Brian Menton had an impact as well.
Kicked two smashing points but Cork’s inability to get an edge at midfield, especially in the second half, was a big factor.
A contender for Cork's best performer in the regular league, expect a reaction in the Munster opener against Limerick.
An unsung hero this spring, better known for his thankless off-the-ball work, he bagged a couple of neat points in the first half.
Very strong showing.
He’s U20 and fearless as a consequence. Massive learning curve stepping out at Croke Park for the first time but got on a fair bit of ball before making way for Brian Hurley.
Like Walsh, is a tireless grafter. Brilliant assist to Chris Óg Jones’ first goal chance. Replaced by Ruairí Deane.
Nabbed a fine point in the second half but had a couple of wides in the opening period that were within his range. Came off for Seán Walsh when Cork needed ball-winners.
The usual ball of energy from the throw-in and could have added a couple of first-half goals to his points.
Finally raised a green flag with a clever dummy past the keeper. 1-2 in assists as well as his 1-3.
Superb in the first half, landing six points, all bar one from play. He was hounded in the second period yet still added another 0-3.
An exceptional display of shooting on the big stage.
Introduced for Sheedy early in the second half. Classy finish for his goal that brought Cork back into it.
Blood sub for Shanley.
Ran hard in the last quarter.
Came on to beef up the middle third in the last 15 minutes.
Lively replacement for Fahy, securing his share of middle-third possession.
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