OFFALY'S 3-22 to 0-11 defeat by Dublin in the Leinster Senior Football Championship semi-final on Sunday has been greeted by a surprising reaction. Instead of the “keyboard warriors” having a field day as they call for heads and demand action, the response has not only been surprisingly mute but it has been borderline positive.
1.
Ian Duffy Ian Duffy could do very little about the Dublin goals. He made one good save while he was penalised for over carrying on another as he tried to find a defender. Rating – 6.
2.
John Furlong While every Offaly back was exposed at some stage defensively, John Furlong had arguably his best game of the season. He was excellent on the ball, made some great surges forward and the sight of him flying up the field and offering support to the man in possession was one to send the pulse racing. Rating – 8.
3.
Declan Hogan A model of consistency over the years, Declan Hogan played with his heart on his sleeve. Searching questions were asked of the Offaly defence with a huge volume of ball coming in but the Tullamore man was completely honest in the way he went about his business. Rating – 6.
4.
Lee Pearson Lee Pearson had a very good game, especially when attacking up field. He was very good on the ball once again and showed great energy. During the league, Pearson tended to run out of steam late on and was replaced in some games but he saw out the full game here. Rating – 8.