Late winner delight for Cork boss Caulfield

John Caulfield spoke to Extratime.ie after his side’s 1-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers at home in Turner’s Cross that now sees his side three points behind leader’s Dundalk who lost on Friday night away to St Patrick’s Athletic.

John Caulfield’s side hadn’t enjoyed the best of form lately with two draws against Bray Wanderers and Athlone Town accompanied by losing in the cup to Bohemians. He spoke of his side’s recent form and the effect on his players.

“It was an absolutely fantastic result, It has been a difficult three or four weeks, the confidence of the lads was down a little bit but I suppose some of them took the criticism to heart and I told them they had to bounce back and again it shows their character like you get huge knocks in this game but you have to be able to over ride them and come back stronger.”

Caulfield talked about concentration levels during his half-time team talk and was pleased to see his side work until the end and grab a late winner.

“I just said to the lads before the game at our team meeting to just concentrate on tonight and give everything you have and if it’s good enough then well and good. At half time it was nil all, it was tough match and we played well and obviously Pat has put a bit more intensity into Rovers and they closed down earlier. It was a tight game in there wasn’t many chances but at half time we spoke about it holding our concentration and said it could be a night like Pat’s that you get a late winner.”

On hearing Pat’s had taken points off Dundalk Caulfield focused on what it meant for a European spot rather than his side’s title hopes.

“It gives us a bit of a chance in that we’re still there, but crucially from our point of view is that we are now a step closer to Europe.”

Now a constant feature of Caulfield’s post-match interviews, the Cork boss was quick to praise his team’s passion and commitment.

“It was a real real hard game, hard effort, a lot of intensity. I think our supporters can see the passion shown by the guys and can see that there was no quarter given.

“Well to be honest with you, I think this team is a sort of team of the people. And what I mean by that is that we have galvanised a section of the City and County supporters are coming in that we have built a strong and loyal following and I think that they can see that this is a real loyal and passionate team in that they give everything they have. They try their best that’s all you can do. I think there is a real good vibe between the supporters and the players.”

With Cork City’s next league match not for another 15 days when they play Limerick away in Thomond Park with a kick off of 5.30pm. Caulfield is looking forward to the mini-break.

“Personally I think this is a good break for us. I’ve told the lads that we’ll go in Monday and we’ll recharge with a friendly on Wednesday to Cobh for a lot of lads that have been on the bench. It’s no harm for a lot of lads who have played week in week out to take a step back, recharge because when we go back to the Limerick match we end up playing two games in five days. Even though you’re off for sixteen days you end up playing two games in five days thick and fast.”

Ross Gaynor was singled out for praise by John Caulfield for his brilliant performance in the victory.

“Ross has been a brilliant guy to get when it didn’t work out with Iarfhlaith. When I rang Ross at the time he told me he just wanted to come down here. When he walked in the door you’d swear he was around five or six years the way he got on with everybody. The type of guy he is. He has a great left foot and has done brilliant for us at left back. In the last four matches he has been left back and we have kept three clean sheets against the top teams.”

While supporters will enjoy the break its clear to all that Caulfield won’t be taking a step back from his ambition of leading his side into European competition next season.