O'Connor: "The lads were chomping at the bit to put a few things right"

It was a tough night in Waterford last week, but CK responded superbly, with a big 2-0 win over Newbridge. Speaking afterwards, manager Tom O’Connor said he was pleased with how his side responded to the defeat in Villa and said that they were eager to put things right.

“The lads were chomping at the bit to put a few things right, particularly the set-pieces, so to get the win today is really positive,” he said. 

Newbridge put up a good fight and frustrated CK for large periods of the first half, despite their position in the table. However, O’Connor was well aware of the quality Newbridge possessed and knew his side would face a tough test.

“We almost got punished at times in the first half. We knew we were coming up against a good, well-organised team, so it was about being patient and waiting for our opportunities," the manager said.

“I felt we probably went a little bit too direct in the first half, which led to a bit of a to-and-fro game. That’s not something I particularly like. I prefer games where we can control things for periods, but the pitch probably didn’t lend itself to lads taking risks.” 

It was a first clean sheet of the season for CK and O’Connor says it’s a result of a lot of the work that they’ve done in the ten days since the Villa game.

“We worked on a lot of things and, looking back, we haven’t actually conceded a lot from set-pieces. It was more a case of people switching off at crucial times or making substitutions and having different players doing different jobs.

“We had to put a bit of effort into nailing down those roles so everybody knows what they’re supposed to do. That way, if you’re asked to step into a different role at any given time, you know exactly what’s expected of you.

“We’re really pleased with the clean sheet and with Darragh making his debut today. I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere where the opposition goalkeeper is walking off and the other fans are singing his name, which is astounding,” O’Connor laughed.

“He’s a great goalkeeper and I thought he stepped up to the mark really well today. Gavin has been brilliant for us, but he’s picked up a little niggle which ruled him out. Darragh has come in and filled his shoes really, really well.” 

Home Farm and Mervue played out a 2-2 draw in Group 1 which guarantees CK best second place and a place in the semi-finals if they beat UCC at SETU on Saturday. The enormity of the occasion is not lost on the CK boss, who knows that his side now hold their fate in their own hands.

“That’s what we set out to do from the beginning. We wanted to win the group and, while that hasn’t transpired, there’s still one place left and it’s in our hands. The lads are up for it. I know they want to win and get through to the knockout stages.

“Having a game at home in front of what we know will be a very good crowd is going to be a great occasion for the lads. We’re hoping to have a couple of players back for that game and we’re really looking forward to it.” 

It was a special occasion for young goalkeeper Darragh O’Neill who made his debut at just 17 years of age. O’Neill has been part of the club’s academy all the way up from U14’s and has had to be patient and wait for his opportunity. He walked off to several young Newbridge fans singing his name and cheering him.

“To be honest, I couldn’t really have asked for much more. It’s the stuff of dreams,” the youngster admitted. 

“I’ve been here since U14’s so you can really see the pathway.” “During the week. Tom called me over and basically just told me I’d be playing. I felt I was ready,” he admitted about how he found out he was going to play.

“That’s what I live for, it’s what I’m here to do,” O’Neill said. “I’ve been working hard in training and have shown that I can do it. It was just about adapting to the pace at men’s level compared to underage.” 

Left wing back Dan McGrath returned from injury and scored the second goal.

"To be honest, with the goal, I just saw the space open up and the lads have been very good with us wing-backs to defend like full-backs but attack like wingers. I just saw the space open up, I made the run and I think the ball just sat up lovely to hit it on the half-volley, and I put my foot through it, lucky enough it went in,” McGrath explained.