Jim McGuinness Pinpoints Clever Cork Tactic That Stunned Donegal

Speaking to Maurice Brosnan of The Irish Examiner, Jim McGuinness said that Cork's ability to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game was the key factor behind their shock victory over Donegal in Ballybofey.

The Rebels produced one of the results of the championship so far, coming from behind to defeat one of the favourites for the All-Ireland 0-17 to 1-13 at a sold-out MacCumhaill Park.

Steven Sherlock was the star of the show, scoring 0-9, including four crucial two-pointers, while Luke Fahy and Tommy Walsh also struck from beyond the arc as Cork overturned an eight-point deficit.

It was an extraordinary turnaround.

Donegal led 1-7 to 0-5 at half-time after Conor O'Donnell finished to the net following excellent work from Michael Murphy, who dispossessed Daniel O'Mahony before squaring the ball for a simple finish.

The hosts looked to be in control when they moved 1-10 to 0-6 ahead early in the second half.

But John Cleary's side had arrived in Ballybofey with a clear plan and executed it brilliantly.

Cork repeatedly retained possession, slowed the game down and forced Donegal to chase.

The visitors were content to play long phases of patient football, refusing to give McGuinness' side the turnovers and transition opportunities they thrive upon.

Speaking afterwards, the Donegal manager admitted Cork's tactical approach caused his side major problems.

They had a plan for controlling the game and slowing the game,” said McGuinness.

The way they set up from an attacking view, they had a hell of a lot of bodies inside.

It was very difficult to get pressure on the arc.

That left them controlling long, long phases of the game in the first half.

That probably took a lot out of the legs as well.

Those comments reflected what unfolded on the field.

While Donegal were clinical during the opening period and carried a healthy lead into the break, Cork steadily grew into the contest.

Sherlock's accuracy from distance kept them in touch before a barrage of late two-pointers completely transformed the game.

Donegal managed just six points in the second half and failed to register a single two-pointer.

In contrast, Cork repeatedly punished them from range.

Luke Fahy and Tommy Walsh both landed crucial efforts before Sherlock capped a superb individual display with another two-point free.

A late point from Turlough Carr reduced the margin to one score but by then the damage had been done.

It was a result few saw coming except those in red and white.