Offaly 5-16 V London 1-06

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Bogman
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Joined: Mon Jan 03, 2005 6:05 pm
Location: Tullamore

Offaly 5-16 V London 1-06

Post by Bogman »

Offaly V London . Offaly 7 wides - London 5 wides.

Offaly played a different "Pat Roe" style with a lot of interpassing in the forwards. They were always looking to set up a final pop pass or rugby-style off-load to put somebody through on goal.

This is completely different from the traditional Offaly style which has been played since Tommy Lyons of launching the ball at the earliest opportunity into the full forwards.

The new interpassing style is very successful in running up big scores on the likes of AIT or London but it remains to be seen how it'll work against good teams who work to cover back.

Offaly looked fit and kept running til the end.

Padraic Kelly: First high ball that came in was dropped on or over the line. Offaly were lucky with the umpires' lack of decision. Faultless after that panic and great kickouts.

Ger Rafferty: Uncharacteristically hesitant at times and poor under the high ball. Heavy strapping on thigh and maybe was struggling somewhat in the heavy ground with injury. Still defended grittily. Was substituted near the end (James Keane).
Scott Brady: More comfortable close to goal where he played very well. Was rounded with embarrassing ease on one occasion out the field but maybe the conditions didn't help. Positioned himself well to cut out kicked balls. Good display overall.
Brian Darby: Very brave - was laid out on a few occasions when leaping fearlessly for high balls or hospital passes. Has a Rhode running and short passing style which could be whistled for over-carrying. Intelligent distribution.

Paul McConway: Good display of running and showing for the return ball.
Richard Fox: Showed good positioning at Number 6.
Nigel Grennan: Kicked 2 fine points going forward.

Alan McNamee: Won a lot of broken ball in general play and distributed well.
Ciaran McManus: Got forward well into good positions.

Niall Kelly: Kicked a point in the first half, substituted at half time (David Egan)
Niall McNamee: Scored a beautiful goal in the 2nd half when put through the middle with a highlight reel finish to the top corner. 2 points from play, 6 from frees. Generally good on the frees considering the conditions. Distributed well, good vision.
Niall Smith: Two good clean catches, dropped some other balls after seemingly winning them in the air or while carrying the ball. Shaped with a lot of promise but far from the finished article.

Thomas Deehan: A lot more lively than of late with his runs suiting the style Offaly were playing. Two good points.
Paschal Kelleghan: Was very involved and scored a goal in the first half. Got involved in a little pushing and shoving.
John Reynolds: Scored a 2nd half hat trick of goals and 2 points from play but mixed it in with a bad start which featured a couple of wides and 2 or 3 lame kicks into the goalkeepers' hands. Busy and always willing to try something.

Subs:
David Egan: 1 good point and linked up well in general play.
James Keane: Came in late and immediately gave away possession with ill-advised passes on his first two possessions. Then played himself in and distributed the ball well for the remainder.

(Niall Spain of Offaly lined out for London at Left-Half Back. Chris Donnellan from Galway was London's main scoring threat).

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