Cork’s patient running style vs Derry’s defensive counter-attack game
Though the Rossies will look at the fundamental errors that cost them in the end, the composure of Cleary’s team and their ability to work hard by breaking lines, supporting runners, and physicality in defence cannot be ignored.
Mattie Taylor’s Man of the Match performance at half-back was a clear example of the Cork ethos this year.
He ran himself into the ground and encouraged his teammates around him.
Their ability to work hard has been stated time and time again and is evident by them achieving 23 turnsovers last weekend.
Like they have done all season, they play the waiting game of carrying the ball lateral until there’s a gap in the defence. They break through it and find the position of maximum opportunity to score.
Contrast it to Derry’s patience and discipline in defence. Their attacking game is based on winning the ball by suffocating their opponents in tight positions or forcing turnovers.
It leads to their high-kicking game into Shane McGuigan who, if he beats his defender creates all kinds of trouble.
Cork’s main objective is to close the door defensively and stop Derry kicking the ball long.
To do that, they will need extra men back, but they will also have to be wary of the hard runs from Brendan Rogers and Conor Glass.
Slow Derry down and Cork are in with a chance.
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