Cork half-back Matthew Taylor says his side’s 1-14 to 0-16 point win over Roscommon today in Páirc Uí Chaoimh is just another step in his side’s 2023 journey.
The Leesiders went up a level in the second-half having been largely trailing in the first 35 minutes.
“The fans speak on behalf of the way we as players feel today. We’re delighted, we came in here today knowing it would be difficult,” said the Mallow man.
“For us it’s just another step in the journey for our team. We’re thrilled with the way we came back and won that game.”
Roscommon will be frustrated with the nature of Kevin O’Donovan’s winning score in injury-time after losing possession for what the ref deemed a throw ball.
But Cork will also look to Steven Sherlock’s earlier effort that was adjudged to have gone wide when replays suggest it went over the crossbar.
However, Taylor credits Cork’s win to their hard running and fitness that now sees them in the last eight of the All-Ireland series.
“I suppose our game is all about work rate and we always try to build off that.
“All I can do is try to play my part in the process. Today it worked out well for me. Other days it doesn’t.
“Lads chipped in with scores that won us the game. I think we put in a massive effort to get over the line. Thankfully it worked out for us.”
Trailing by one point at half-time, Taylor – who scored a point just at the end of the first period – knew there was more to produce in the second-half.
“We spoke at half-time and we weren’t happy with the way we were letting Roscommon play and allowing them to dominate possession.
“So, we knew we had to come out in the second-half and put them under pressure and just try and get on the front foot.
“In the final quarter of the game we pushed up and went toe-to-toe with them on their kickouts and that set us on our pathway to getting the win.
“We didn’t set sights on getting to a quarter-final, we looked at just winning today’s match. Now we have a chance to play in Croke Park and let’s see what we can do next week.”
Cork’s underperformance in the first-half was also highlighted by their manager John Cleary.
“I think in the first half we were all over the place and just hanging on by our fingernails,” said the Rebels boss who spoke with GAAGO after the match.
“But we got three points on the bounce before half-time and that settled us down and allowed us to bring it back to a level playing field in the second half.
“We said at half-time that we only played for five minutes and yet we were only a point down, so we knew there was more in us.
We had a bit of luck in the second-half and if you’re given that luck you take it. We’re just delighted now to be in a quarter-final.”
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