Re: 2018 Bord na Móna O’Byrne Cup
Posted: Thu Jan 04, 2018 1:13 am
Context is everything. This was a third string Dublin side so we were by far more experienced. That said, we had a couple of u21 lads too who acquitted themselves very well.
That said, it was an impressive performance from our lads. Everyone worked very hard and most of our lads looked fairly fit. In fact we looked stronger as the game went on. Got in couple of minutes late but this is my read on it
Started well before Dublin took over and looked better team through first half. Full back line struggled but was shored up big time when Paul McConway came in.
From then on brady was excellent, as good as I've seen him play for the county and looked fit. Pender in other corner is a serious athlete and contributed a lot getting out of defence but needs to back himself more when he gets forward
Cian Donohoe at centre back excellent on Basquel. While he started well, and scored lot from frees, Donohue edged the battle. Hogan and demsey worked hard on the wings. Dempsey for a young lad did well defensively and got on plenty of ball and will grow into it in time with more confidence. Replaced by O'Dea for last ten minutes, who also did fairly well.
Nally put in huge shift in midfield and covered acres of ground. Dunne replaced at half time did well on high ball but might have struggled with the race of Dublin. Joe O Connor added to middle of field and got good score but struggled for fitness in last few minutes
Hayes at wing forward was excellent throughout and covered up and down the pitch and was constructive on the ball getting a good score. With game on line near end he got back and fielded a ball on our 21 before linking the play and working it out. For such an inexperienced lad, early season signs could make him a contender to start come championship.
Anton looked to be in as good physical shape as I've seen him. He showed leadership throughout and worked himself into the ground. His only flaw decision making hurt us a little at times in trying to make the hard pass or hold onto ball needlessly and if we hadn't had the needless turnovers, we'd have probably won the game. Had few chances near end too and came close hitting the post. 10 out of 10 for effort though.
Brazil subbed early, possibly due to injury.
Of Inside line, panda was quietest. Could have had goal but was pulled down when pulling the trigger
Doyle lively and showed well throughout.
Johnson. I have reservations about throwing young lads in when not ready physically. After tonight, no fear about this lad. He still needs to add few pounds and develop physique but he really troubled Dublin with his movement and quick feet getting lot of scores from play. Would be looking to hold him back a bit but definitely one for future.
Nigel dunne came in on first half too. For his experience he kept ball well but couldn't help but think he was slowing down our play holding on to the ball when we were set to go through them on a counter attack. If he released the ball a bit earlier, there were definite scoring chances on.
McNamee too added energy around middle when legs were on the wane.
Overall, I loved the positive approach where they tried to get heads up and go at Dublin. Far from being overly positive but hopefully some of our injured lads will look to get back in shape ASAP as I think from what I saw this evening, things are looking up.
That said, it was an impressive performance from our lads. Everyone worked very hard and most of our lads looked fairly fit. In fact we looked stronger as the game went on. Got in couple of minutes late but this is my read on it
Started well before Dublin took over and looked better team through first half. Full back line struggled but was shored up big time when Paul McConway came in.
From then on brady was excellent, as good as I've seen him play for the county and looked fit. Pender in other corner is a serious athlete and contributed a lot getting out of defence but needs to back himself more when he gets forward
Cian Donohoe at centre back excellent on Basquel. While he started well, and scored lot from frees, Donohue edged the battle. Hogan and demsey worked hard on the wings. Dempsey for a young lad did well defensively and got on plenty of ball and will grow into it in time with more confidence. Replaced by O'Dea for last ten minutes, who also did fairly well.
Nally put in huge shift in midfield and covered acres of ground. Dunne replaced at half time did well on high ball but might have struggled with the race of Dublin. Joe O Connor added to middle of field and got good score but struggled for fitness in last few minutes
Hayes at wing forward was excellent throughout and covered up and down the pitch and was constructive on the ball getting a good score. With game on line near end he got back and fielded a ball on our 21 before linking the play and working it out. For such an inexperienced lad, early season signs could make him a contender to start come championship.
Anton looked to be in as good physical shape as I've seen him. He showed leadership throughout and worked himself into the ground. His only flaw decision making hurt us a little at times in trying to make the hard pass or hold onto ball needlessly and if we hadn't had the needless turnovers, we'd have probably won the game. Had few chances near end too and came close hitting the post. 10 out of 10 for effort though.
Brazil subbed early, possibly due to injury.
Of Inside line, panda was quietest. Could have had goal but was pulled down when pulling the trigger
Doyle lively and showed well throughout.
Johnson. I have reservations about throwing young lads in when not ready physically. After tonight, no fear about this lad. He still needs to add few pounds and develop physique but he really troubled Dublin with his movement and quick feet getting lot of scores from play. Would be looking to hold him back a bit but definitely one for future.
Nigel dunne came in on first half too. For his experience he kept ball well but couldn't help but think he was slowing down our play holding on to the ball when we were set to go through them on a counter attack. If he released the ball a bit earlier, there were definite scoring chances on.
McNamee too added energy around middle when legs were on the wane.
Overall, I loved the positive approach where they tried to get heads up and go at Dublin. Far from being overly positive but hopefully some of our injured lads will look to get back in shape ASAP as I think from what I saw this evening, things are looking up.