And so to the match . . .
Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 10:06 pm
And so to the match. Some things became more clear – some still clear as mud.
One thing clear is Joe Brady’s central role at centre half forward. It’s back to 2008 again with Joe breaking the ball for others getting in close to win the subsequent break. It took a while to get going as Clare were well on top and opened up an early lead.
When Offaly did get going, it was with some good combination play involving Brian Carroll moving infield onto the break and the midfielders taking up the space on the flanks. Kevin Brady and Rory Hanniffy look like a good combination and most Offaly scores came from outside the 45.
A pity little came from the full forward line as plenty of ball went in there throughout. Derek Molloy got plenty of ball but little came of it by way of scores, while Joseph Bergin looked out-or-sorts. A switch between the two might well benefit both. Cathal Parlon tried fierce hard but nothing went right for him.
Indeed, Joe Brady made several subtle touches; most notably when combining with Brian Carroll, and Joe took some good scores himself.
The defence was solid after they came to terms with Clare after the visitors’ early scoring burst. I wonder if Brian Mullins’ introduction into goal at the break indicates that management will go with experience rather than youth in Parnell Park. Selection in defence will also be interesting. Paul Cleary, David Kenny and Derek Morkan will wear 3, 6 & 7 respectively. David Franks will surely line out at corner back, so what of the rest of the defence?
James Rigney had a fine game on Sunday and is a cert. Though short in stature, the Kinnitty lad is good enough in the air and tough enough in the physical exchanges to be seriously considered at wing back. I know the match had fizzled out but his display at centre half back in the last ten minutes was impressive. A half back line of Rigney, Kenny & Morkan is not unrealistic.
Interesting too that Stephen Brown, Michael Cordial, James Mulrooney, Dermot Mooney & Mark Quinlan have been called into the panel. Nothing like a bit of freshening up. None are real speedsters though and Offaly would be better served with someone like one of the Egans or Odhran Kealey (if fit). A quick corner forward, facing goal, would complement Shane Dooley and Derek Molloy/Joseph Bergin in attack.
Finally, it happened alot that, when going for a 50:50 ball, the Offaly player tended to allow the Clare opponent to jab lift then attempting to flick the ball away before the Clareman could catch the ball. What happened to getting to the ball first? What happens if the opponent gets the ball into their hands before the Offaly man gets the flick? Who’s going to react first to the resultant breaking ball? What happens if Michael Haverty is refereeing? Crying “ah ref” won’t remedy an avoidable calamity.
Much to be considered over the course of the next three weeks.
One thing clear is Joe Brady’s central role at centre half forward. It’s back to 2008 again with Joe breaking the ball for others getting in close to win the subsequent break. It took a while to get going as Clare were well on top and opened up an early lead.
When Offaly did get going, it was with some good combination play involving Brian Carroll moving infield onto the break and the midfielders taking up the space on the flanks. Kevin Brady and Rory Hanniffy look like a good combination and most Offaly scores came from outside the 45.
A pity little came from the full forward line as plenty of ball went in there throughout. Derek Molloy got plenty of ball but little came of it by way of scores, while Joseph Bergin looked out-or-sorts. A switch between the two might well benefit both. Cathal Parlon tried fierce hard but nothing went right for him.
Indeed, Joe Brady made several subtle touches; most notably when combining with Brian Carroll, and Joe took some good scores himself.
The defence was solid after they came to terms with Clare after the visitors’ early scoring burst. I wonder if Brian Mullins’ introduction into goal at the break indicates that management will go with experience rather than youth in Parnell Park. Selection in defence will also be interesting. Paul Cleary, David Kenny and Derek Morkan will wear 3, 6 & 7 respectively. David Franks will surely line out at corner back, so what of the rest of the defence?
James Rigney had a fine game on Sunday and is a cert. Though short in stature, the Kinnitty lad is good enough in the air and tough enough in the physical exchanges to be seriously considered at wing back. I know the match had fizzled out but his display at centre half back in the last ten minutes was impressive. A half back line of Rigney, Kenny & Morkan is not unrealistic.
Interesting too that Stephen Brown, Michael Cordial, James Mulrooney, Dermot Mooney & Mark Quinlan have been called into the panel. Nothing like a bit of freshening up. None are real speedsters though and Offaly would be better served with someone like one of the Egans or Odhran Kealey (if fit). A quick corner forward, facing goal, would complement Shane Dooley and Derek Molloy/Joseph Bergin in attack.
Finally, it happened alot that, when going for a 50:50 ball, the Offaly player tended to allow the Clare opponent to jab lift then attempting to flick the ball away before the Clareman could catch the ball. What happened to getting to the ball first? What happens if the opponent gets the ball into their hands before the Offaly man gets the flick? Who’s going to react first to the resultant breaking ball? What happens if Michael Haverty is refereeing? Crying “ah ref” won’t remedy an avoidable calamity.
Much to be considered over the course of the next three weeks.