Caulfield delighted with Cork attitude after cup victory

15th November 2023
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Having overseen a comfortable 5-1 victory against a spirited Home Farm team, Cork City boss John Caulfield was full of praise for his side who safely navigated past a potential banana skin, sandwiched between two massive Europa League clashes with Ro

Having overseen a comfortable 5-1 victory against a spirited Home Farm team, Cork City boss John Caulfield was full of praise for his side who safely navigated past a potential banana skin, sandwiched between two massive Europa League clashes with Rosenberg.

“The attitude and the way the lads played in the first half was excellent. These games in particular you need to start well and prepare properly and we did that with the goals in the first half an hour. 

"Even the lads who came off the bench were eager to show what they can do, so that point of view we’re very pleased.”

All six goals came in an action packed first half and Caulfield felt the start was key.

“We moved the ball well, passed well and the game felt pretty much over at half time. We got the goals early and when you play non-league teams like that, its pretty much the ideal situation."

Having made 10 changes to the side that lined up against Rosenberg, Caulfield was full of praise for those who came in and returning from injury, going on to say, “Yeah it was good for the boys who were on the bench because, again, they want to show what they can do. 

"We did make a number of changes but it was important to make sure the balance of the team was right. 

"They were eager to do well. Gearoid (Morrissey) was out injured for a while and has come back in and trained well, so that will do him good. 'Sads' (Kieran Sadlier) has come back in and getting back up his form. 

"Ronan Coughlan has got his couple of goals and its been a bit of a change for him coming in from Bray, trainings a bit more intense and to train four times a week so we hope to see a big impact between now and the end of the season.

"Pierce (Phillips) is also a good lad, doing really well. So good for them all to get a game I’m happy and overall, really pleased.”

Full attention now turns to trying to overturn a two-goal deficit in Norway in the Europa League qualifiers, adding: “Very difficult challenge but we go there knowing if we get the first goal the tie is back on. 

"We know they will probably play on the counter attack, having the two goal lead, but the plan is to start fast and see if we can get that early goal, you never know.”