Ryan targeting promotion after latest victory

By Michael Heverin

Pleased with the result but not with the performance - that’s how Tipperary manager Philly Ryan summed up a successful trip to Walsh Park on Sunday where his side proved too strong for Waterford in their National Football League clash.

The two points move Tipperary up to secomd in the table as promotion contenders and that’s what the Clonmel Commercials clubman wants.

“We want to be in the hunt for promotion, there’s no pressure on us on that score”, he said.

“This squad is better than Division 4 players, and that’s what they are pushing for, and pushing themselves along. They hope to be in Division 3 by the end of the league and that’s the only aim they have”.

But the win in Walsh Park wasn’t perfect and he wants to see improvement for the London game this Saturday in Semple Stadium, the curtain-raiser to the senior hurlers clash with Cork.

“We are disappointed with aspects of our game, and we can thank the defence that we came away with a win,” Ryan added.

“We weren’t pretty up front and left a lot of scores behind us, so we have a good bit to work on during the week. We have to work on certain things, and we can identify those.

“What pleased me most is the way the backs performed. They did exactly what we asked them to do, fought for every ball, were strong in the tackle and very disciplined”.

But Ryan points out that the side need to sharpen up in attack. He was pleased with Seanie O’Connor’s 1-10 total, including 1-6 from play.

“When the chips were down, he came strong for us, but he also missed a few and he’ll know that better than anybody”, Ryan said of his fellow Commercials clubmate.

The manager said he was disappointed to see team captain Steven O’Brien come off injured after just seventeen minutes. However, his replacement Cian Smith settled into the game seamlessly, and scored the game’s only two pointer, a crucial score in the 53rd minute to stretch the Tipp lead to five points, 1-10 to 0-8.

“It’s a quad injury and we knew we’d have to take him off, but we hoped that it might be in the second half, we didn’t expect it so soon,” he revealed.

“It was a big ask coming on for Steven, but it worked out well for Cian.”

The Tipp boss added that he is pleased with five points after three games.

“We are disappointed that we left a point behind us in Carlow, we could have six but that’s being ultra critical. We will review what worked for us against Waterford, and what didn’t, and we will sharpen up for the London game”.

TIPPERARY v LONDON

FBD Semple Stadium

Saturday, 22nd February

Throw-in @ 5.00pm

Referee: Niall Quinn (Clare)