Well lads,
My first post here and said id give my opinion of the u-21's last night. Having read the previous few pages, what happened last night was exactly as discussed here. Donegal are a strong, powerful team who bring all their men behind the ball and then wait patiently and then play it into the inside two men who are well capable of beating there men and sticking it over (or under) the bar.
Tactically Cavan did nothing to upset this style of play and I believe that if they played the same tactics as Donegal that are two inside forwards would not be strong enough to do what Murphy and Co. could do.
Particularly disappointed with both Declan Mc Kiernan and Niall Mc Dermott. Obviously Mc Kiernan is there for free taking duties but was not at up to standard last night. Like Murphy he is a big man but the difference is pace. Murphy could get in front of Rory at full back (Rory isn't the slowest man going!!) whereas Mc Kiernan struggled to make any headway at full forward, similarly with young Mc Dermott at centre forward who offered very little and seemed to run into cul de sacs.
I also think that the comments regarding Rory's performance are a bit harsh, he was on a lethal player (2nd highest scorer in senior championship football last year) and for the most he done quite well but mistakes at this level with cost dearly and as they say "goals win games".
Budd was very lively with Mc Clarey's and Niall Smith's physicality letting them down. Again Givney was immense in midfield with Gearoid quieter than usual.
Even with all the above points it has to be said that Donegal are an extremely good team and will be hard beaten if they continue to use there "all men behind the ball" tactics. They are a physically strong team who also have pace.
Anyways that's my rant over.
Ulster Blue
My first post here and said id give my opinion of the u-21's last night. Having read the previous few pages, what happened last night was exactly as discussed here. Donegal are a strong, powerful team who bring all their men behind the ball and then wait patiently and then play it into the inside two men who are well capable of beating there men and sticking it over (or under) the bar.
Tactically Cavan did nothing to upset this style of play and I believe that if they played the same tactics as Donegal that are two inside forwards would not be strong enough to do what Murphy and Co. could do.
Particularly disappointed with both Declan Mc Kiernan and Niall Mc Dermott. Obviously Mc Kiernan is there for free taking duties but was not at up to standard last night. Like Murphy he is a big man but the difference is pace. Murphy could get in front of Rory at full back (Rory isn't the slowest man going!!) whereas Mc Kiernan struggled to make any headway at full forward, similarly with young Mc Dermott at centre forward who offered very little and seemed to run into cul de sacs.
I also think that the comments regarding Rory's performance are a bit harsh, he was on a lethal player (2nd highest scorer in senior championship football last year) and for the most he done quite well but mistakes at this level with cost dearly and as they say "goals win games".
Budd was very lively with Mc Clarey's and Niall Smith's physicality letting them down. Again Givney was immense in midfield with Gearoid quieter than usual.
Even with all the above points it has to be said that Donegal are an extremely good team and will be hard beaten if they continue to use there "all men behind the ball" tactics. They are a physically strong team who also have pace.
Anyways that's my rant over.
Ulster Blue