Cook refuses to be downbeat
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Paul Cook was able to take some positives from his sides 1-0 defeat at the hands of Cork City on Friday night. His inexperienced team battled well throughout and despite being able to name just three subs, they held the inform Leesiders for over an hour of the tie.
“The young lads who came didn’t half work hard so we’ve got no problems with the result. I thought our level of performance was decent, the young kids done very well and it was a big game for them to play in. Nobody let themselves down,” said Cook.
Although Cork were on top for most of the tie, the Bit O’Red did have chances. Brian Cash and Romauld Boco in particular went close for Cook’s team as they chased an equaliser. However, with over half a dozen players out due to injury or suspension, the Liverpudlian knew it was always going to be tough coming to Turner’s Cross and get a result.
“We had a couple of chances, but you know obviously to have gotten anything out of the game tonight would have been a bonus. When you get to 65 or 70 minutes you think you’re doing OK but Cork are a good side and they’ve got loads of good players.”
When quizzed on the injury situation, Cook was eager not to use it as an excuse. He said: “We try our best not to speak about them because that’s just football. With injuries and suspensions, you can only put the strongest available side on the pitch every week. At the end of the year the table doesn’t say who has had the most injuries and suspensions.”
He was also keen to remain the tight lipped about when some of his absentees will return, simply saying: “I’d like to think so, fingers crossed.”
Sligo now face Finn Harps in the EA Sports on Monday night before welcoming Shamrock Rovers to the Showgrounds next Saturday night.
“The young lads who came didn’t half work hard so we’ve got no problems with the result. I thought our level of performance was decent, the young kids done very well and it was a big game for them to play in. Nobody let themselves down,” said Cook.
Although Cork were on top for most of the tie, the Bit O’Red did have chances. Brian Cash and Romauld Boco in particular went close for Cook’s team as they chased an equaliser. However, with over half a dozen players out due to injury or suspension, the Liverpudlian knew it was always going to be tough coming to Turner’s Cross and get a result.
“We had a couple of chances, but you know obviously to have gotten anything out of the game tonight would have been a bonus. When you get to 65 or 70 minutes you think you’re doing OK but Cork are a good side and they’ve got loads of good players.”
When quizzed on the injury situation, Cook was eager not to use it as an excuse. He said: “We try our best not to speak about them because that’s just football. With injuries and suspensions, you can only put the strongest available side on the pitch every week. At the end of the year the table doesn’t say who has had the most injuries and suspensions.”
He was also keen to remain the tight lipped about when some of his absentees will return, simply saying: “I’d like to think so, fingers crossed.”
Sligo now face Finn Harps in the EA Sports on Monday night before welcoming Shamrock Rovers to the Showgrounds next Saturday night.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile