McKenna Cup Thread

sparkulicous

Thought I'd start something off on this. Being a Cavan man I'll start off on that game. Was impressed with the performance. the team showed a lot of heart which was something that was missing last year. Was well impressed with some of the new boy's. Michael Cunningham in particular done well and deserved his man of the match. Also Jonathon Crowe was solid I thought.

The team looked fitter than Derry but that doesn't really mean anything this early in the season.

Good show by Cavan and at least we looked good in front of the camera's!!!!!


Any reports from the other matches.

Avayia

I agree Cavan definitly put up an impressive show against Derry, however their narrow 2 point win last wkend is something to be concerned about.

Being a derry man myself i am i little worried about the Derry defence, especially watching the antics at the Tyrone match last wkend. The Tyrone forwards were just strolling through the central defence. :mad: But it's ealry days yet, hopefully they can get their act together befor ethe league starts!

cournioni

Avayia wrote:

I agree Cavan definitly put up an impressive show against Derry, however their narrow 2 point win last wkend is something to be concerned about.

I totally agree, Cavan's first half performance in the QUB game was diabolical. Some of the newer lads like Thomas, Corr, and Cunningham didn't play well. Brennan was anonymous and Mackey doesn't look like he can come close to making the grade, he is far too light and he clearly does not have the footballing brain to do well at this level.

Cavan really started performing when McCabe was moved into the full forward position alongside Pearson. They worked really well off each other, scoring 1-8 between them. This move was made just as Forde, Paul Brady and Mulvey came on. They played really well and QUB didn't get a sniff in midfield or their full forward line when these changes were made to the Cavan team.

Cavan totally dominated from then on and they came from three points down in the first half to five points up half way into the second half. At this point, Cavan seemed to shift back into first gear and let QUB run at them and they were duely punished when they drew level with about 5 minutes left. Rory Gallager and Jason Reilly were on at this stage and Cavan quickly moved up the gears and scored points through Paul Brady and a very impressive point from Rory Gallagher to win the game.

My ratings for the game:
Anderson - 7, good kickouts and he claimed one high ball very well in the second half. Needs to work on short kick outs.
Cahill - 7, had an ok game. Definately not his best position. Scored a good point.
Corr - 5, didn't have a good game. Won't make the grade for Cavan.
Fannin - 8, best of the backs. Played his man well.
Eamon Reilly - 8, made a couple of vital interceptions in the dying moments of the game which lead to Cavan scores. Will definately be in the team for the Championship if fit.
Walsh - 6, Not the best footballer in the world but is a good grafter, didn't really stand out too much.
Crowe - 6, had an ok game. Will be interesting to see how he does in the league.
Thomas - 5, out of his depth at this level. Rightly substituted.
McCabe - 7, Had a very good game when moved beside Pearson. Scored 1-1, set up 3 or 4 points.
Brennan - 5, doesn't look like he'll ever make it at this level, as good as he is for Drumalee. Rightly substituted.
McKeever - 8, I'm a big fan of McKeever. Great footballing brain, and works his socks off with ability to back everything up. Good game from him.
Cunningham - 6, tried hard but didn't get the freedom that he had against Derry. Will have to step it up a touch if he is to make the championship team.
Mackey - 4, offered nothing to the team other than running round in a few circles and losing the ball. Doesn't have it, never will.
Sean Brady - 6, had a great game against Derry but was bottled up against QUB. Intelligent footballer, but just didn't do it on this occasion.
Pearson - 9, scored 7 points and was the difference between the teams. Has the best pair of feet on the Cavan team. Really came to life when McCabe moved in beside him.
Subs – Forde - 8, typical Forde, never lets you down; Mulvey - 8, made a huge difference to midfield. Should make c'ship team.; Paul Brady - 8, one of Cavans best players when he came on; Jason Reilly - 6, better than Mackey; Gallagher - 7, looked very lively when he came on, lots of class and great point at the end.

Flukey

Tyrone risk being kicked out after fielding some college players last Sunday. An outcome should be available tonight.

smashey

While Donegal haven't exactly been setting the world alight, Down seem to have some work to do.