I am one to praise where it should be given and likewise criticise when I think it is warranted. The management have been phenomenal this year, they have addressed the concerns that have been apparent for the last few years. The defence has for now been sorted to a degree, it needs further improvements as Tyrone were getting easy points just by running into it - regardless of if Tyrone's frees were warranted or not, this is going to be exploited in the championship and needs further development. The amazing thing about defence is no other team has got it right, so if we do, it puts us in a great position for the championship. Anyway, that is the sticking point for me at the moment, great work done by management but there is going to be more needed in the coming months.
I don't know how to explain this point so sorry if I waffle but we look like a very cohesive team. There is support play, players are sticking up for each other, one player is substituted the player coming on fits in like a jigsaw. Everyone knows they play a significant role in the team and when they perform their role it allows the cogs in the machine to work effectively. We are not letting anyone throw us off our game, Tyrone tried it all day yesterday and my MOTM Burns was the target of some of these incidents. He has been on an emotional rollercoaster this week losing his grandad and throughout it all he remained composed and didn't bite, he just got on with it. Some Tyronies want to blame him for the melee but if Harte kept his hands to himself it wouldn't have happened. When the melee kicked off you could see Foker going around keeping the peace, he was like a one man UN peace keeping convoy.
The past few seasons we have been like a dog with the ball, just get it, run with it. This year we get the ball, make strides forward, stop and evaluate the situation. Pass it back to GK if it is necessary, sure Hughes can even run forward with the ball. There are very few moments where we make sloppy passes and give away possession which was frustrating to watch last year but this year I am pleased with how we use the ball. The kick passing is really getting other counties on board with our brand of football and it is something we are using to our advantage now. Some teams may try and stop this happening in the championship but we have also shown we are comfortable with the short passing game. The only concern with this, is we have to be quick on our toes and it will zap energy but maintain composure and make the room for a pass. That moves me on to teams pressing up on our kick outs. We are putting teams in a situation where they are dammed if they do and dammed when they don't. I expect teams to start pushing up on us more but this leaves hell of a lot of space for the long kick-outs and our forward lines will appreciate it.
Jemar Hall was perfect for that game, he had defenders running all over the place. Campbell came on and settled us down with a score. Love seeing him running down the pitch and kicking scores with ease, it is great to watch. O'Neill was quiet compared to last week but Hampsey still couldn't get the better of him - and that kick to McCabe for the goal was a thing of beauty. Cannot wait to see him and Oisin playing on the same pitch again. On another note, I have been thinking about the like of McQuillan, Campbell, Murnin and O'Neill I am thinking McGeeney isn't getting them up to match fitness on purpose as they might be rotated in if we are able to secure D1 status. It would make sense considering Donegal are our last NFL fixture game. We certainly do not want to be going to the NFL semi-finals/final with only 1-2 weeks to spare before we face Donegal in the championship. I know every game counts but we don't want to be picking up injuries either.