Corks Sports Sunday 15/03 Cork manager John Cleary post match v Kildare

That was the aim here today, I taught again, looking at the first half we were all standing.

Let clear back into the game the second half.

I never took the thought we looked like losing the game,

but we put ourselves maybe on the small bit of pressure that we need and have done.

But overall pleased, with a good bit to work on,

heading to Toronto next week and for us, it's do or die.

But at least, look, we're in that position, probably if Derry had won today,

no matter what we'd have done next week, wouldn't have mattered.

So they didn't, and it gives us a chance now.

That first half was incredible.

It's two pointers.

Yeah, look, there was a nice breeze there.

And look, we train here every night.

We played a few games here.

Now there's no pitch and how it works upside down.

So I think that was an advantage.

But fairness, the last were very accurate.

And there was some great shooting and scoring.

And you know, when you get those eights in a half,

it really, you know, drives on the score line.

So, you know, very happy with it.

And, you know, as you said, some great scores.

And even the way, I suppose, the way they were finished,

but also the play further back to feel like was a joy to behold the way

the lads were running off the shoulder, doing everything right.

Yeah, without a doubt, yeah.

I think the offense was going very well.

We defended very well at times.

And so overall, like, what have we scored?

The first half was 120 or something.

And we'd have to be happy with that.

And as I said, the defense was very good as well.

The second half was a bit of a different kettle of fish.

But look, we knew that they were going to have their period of dominance.

They were going to come into it.

They're a good team.

And we conceded more than we'd have liked.

And they had some more chances than we'd have, you know,

like, but anyway, something to work on over the week.

And that's what we're going to do.

126 to 17.

I think it was eight minutes into the second half.

What do you think went wrong for the rest of the game?

Because like you were, like, Mejarl came on, saved the penalty.

And I think he saved at least three more from going into the list.

Yeah, well, I suppose a few things.

We were down to 14, which means you have only 10 against 11 defending.

I look, as I said, they were going to have their period of dominance.

And, you know, they did take over around the middle of the field.

So, you know, that's where it meant.

And they pushed ahead and got our, you know, they won a lot of all kickouts.

And they pushed up on us.

And that's the way a momentum goes in these games.

So I think, you know, when they had their period, like we had in the first half,

they really went after it.

And, you know, the true caution to the wind, really.

Maybe we had a couple of poor turnovers, the other side and, you know,

I think that kind of, it was the reason they got back into the game, you know.

Well, you never looked like losing the game.

Obviously, I suppose the way that closing 20 minutes in,

there's a lot of food for thought.

Yeah, absolutely.

You know, there's every chance it won't come down to scoring difference now.

So even the scores they got in the end probably won't mighten cost us, you know.

So look, we look at it.

And, but as I said, look, these games go, can go in, in funny sort of ways.

And, you know, there've been huge leads tied back before.

And, you know, I was delighted that, as I said, they never came within maybe eight or nine points.

And, you know, any time that they've got a big score, we seem to go up and get a, get a one pointer.

And I've been happy with that aspect of it.

But, as I said, overall, happy with the, with the victory.

If you ask me, nine point victory this morning,

beat your hand off of it and drive on out the next week.

With the way the results went above an R.D. with dairy losing

and the one in Tyrone, which are the one above in Crophark with meat beating Tyrone.

You're right back in the mix.

Ah, yeah, look, you know, as I said, if we were told this after the season

to win or to draw on Tyrone and you'd have promotion, we'd have taken that.

We were forked and maybe fifth favorites and some people's eyes at the start and distribution.

Now, we've given ourselves one match to go after.

And if we do, you know, we get promotion, you know.

So, we've won six or five out of six games.

And we'd have to be happy with that, you know, and in other season.

That might have been enough for promotion.

And, we do know if we win the next day, we get over the line, but a difficult, difficult assignment.

A lot of third parties down there, you know.

And just, hopefully, get them, get them, get them ready, you know, for the next week.

And of course, Tyrone, open Tyrone.

They're always difficult, even though they'll be, they've nothing to play for,

but they will be seriously committed upon them.

I would have looked out like it's their last match before the championship.

They're playing at home.

And they have some excellent players.

And, you know, I'm sure that they'll, you know, come out, all guns blazing.

They are from it over the side, all out until we find this last year.

So a big, big challenge.

And look, we just have to prepare.

And it's one where we're looking forward to, because there's a good bit on the line for us now at this stage.

And, you know, we'll just need a couple of days recovery now.

And then we'll start preparing for next week.