Power reflects on contrasting halves

By Shane Brophy

Chalk and cheese was how Tipperary manager David Power assessed his sides first and second half performances against Down on Saturday night but ultimately it was a losing start to the National League division 3 campaign.

“In the first half we were just at sea,” he began.

“We were too slow, going across the field, too passive in our play.

“Even though we missed five frees that were scoreable, both teams were making mistakes but Down were really punishing us.

“Once we got going and pressed Down, I thought we were very good and left a couple of more chances behind us as well.

“In the second half, we were very good but there are positives to be taken from it. We must build on the second half performance.”

The second half turnaround was ignited by the introduction of vice-captain Steven O’Brien who was restricted to start from the bench following a hamstring injury sustained in the McGrath Cup match against Limerick two weeks previous.

His absence prevented Tipp from having more joy with their direct approach as his replacement Liam McGrath played a little deeper.

“It’s no secret the way we have been trying to play with Steven, Seanie and Conor inside,” Power added.

“That has been working well. It was unfortunate that we couldn’t start Steven as we were told to hold him, so we had to hold him for a half.

“That is a positive that Steven has gotten a half, Mark Russell got game time to there are plenty of positives. Over the next few weeks hopefully we will get other fellas who weren’t involved in the 26 back as well. We do need everyone.”

He added: “That’s the frustrating thing that if we had our strongest fifteen starting, it is a game looking back on it that we have left behind us. I thought we were that bit better and had Down under serious pressure in the second half but ultimately the first half display cost us.”

However, Power was pleased by the performance of some of the younger players, including subs Conor Cadell (on debut) and Cathal Deely.

“I thought Cathal Deely was very good tonight, so there were some pleasing aspects.

“But we must build on the second half, if we go back to being slow and lethargic against Cavan we are going to get eaten alive up there.

“This league is going to be very tough, small margins are going to win and lose games and towards the end of the game we made a few poor decisions, but it is something to build on.”

Tipperary head to Cavan on Sunday for round 2 with the home side beginning their division 3 campaign with an impressive 0-13 to 1-6 win over Westmeath in Mullingar last Sunday, and after Tipperary won in Kingspan Breffni in their group stage clash last year, will be keen to build on last years division 4 league final win at Croke Park.

Tipp will have it all to do.