Cook points to experience after defeat

Paul Cook was a disappointed man after his side ended up on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline against reigning league champions Bohemians on Friday night. But he was quick to accept that, ultimately, his young side had been outclassed by a team that have a third consecutive League title within their sights.

Sligo opened well at Dalymount Park and it was a game that looked as if it could go either way until a clinical finish from Paul Keegan gave the home side a 28th minute lead.

“I think the goal just changes the game doesn’t it. I mean we’re on top, we’re playing well, we have a couple of great chances to score and if we score... But we concede goals at terrible times and it’s hard because we’re a very young, naive team. You know, they’ve got very good, seasoned professionals. We call them good professionals because that’s what they are, they know how to see games out and they’re very good at it. That’s why they’re the best team in the country.”

When it was put to Cook that his team chose to play football against the champions rather than ‘shut up shop’ he replied, “To be fair we don’t go anywhere to shut up shop, it’s not in my make-up, or our club’s. We try to go and play football, so when you come to Bohs and they do go one nil up, or whenever you go behind to them, it’s very difficult to get back in the game. Because they are very experience and they’re very well organised and they’ve got good players. You know, they’re a benchmark for the league and I think we all know that.”

That such an instinctively attacking team are currently playing with a lone striker is something that is down more to circumstance than choice. Mathew Blinkhorn’s ongoing injury leaves Cook with limited attacking options and in the latter stages of Friday’s game centre back Gavin Peers found himself pressed into attacking duties. But an extra striker is would be an option that Cook would plainly be keen to acquire.

“It’s difficult, you know, we’re short in that area. It’s something that we’re trying to address. But you’re trying your best to bring quality in, do you know, and I think everyone will tell you, we’re all looking for a quality striker. They’re very hard to find.

Mathew’s (Blinkhorn) back soon. He’s had a lot more treatment now and next week will be his tenth week, you know? It’s not an excuse but I think when you’ve only got young Amond up front, it’s difficult when it’s not going our way. And it’s something that we’re trying to address at the club, it’s not excuses for getting beat. Tonight after they scored I thought they controlled the game and probably deserved to win.