Offaly still have chance of great escape - if they can beat Cavan
By Kevin Egan
Unlikely though it might seem based on their form so far, Offaly have somehow made their way to this Sunday’s National Football League clash with Cavan in a position where they could still extricate themselves from the relegation mire. Stand back Houdini, we’ve got an even more impressive trick.
It goes without saying that on the form that the team has shown so far, the idea of finishing out with wins over Cavan and Meath is fanciful, at best. Offaly’s trajectory over the season has been a journey from bad to worse, culminating in the horror show in Celtic Park.
The performance in Dungannon was slightly more encouraging but Offaly still conceded 16 white flags in the second half, while playing with the aid of a decent breeze. Better, but hardly the stuff of dreams either.
However the stars are aligning, if there is a kick to be found. Cavan are in disarray as well, and there appear to be growing levels of discontent about Dermot McCabe as manager. They are also struggling badly in terms of winning primary possession, with Louth taking them apart on that front last time out.
Offaly’s greatest difficulties have been against teams that have squeezed the team’s lack of natural fielders around the middle, so if there is any sort of confidence boost from the possible return of players like Dylan Hyland and John Furlong, as there should be, Sunday's game in Tullamore (2pm) could be competitive.
Kildare’s form has fallen through the floor, and it’s looking increasingly likely that they will end the season on three points. While hopes of Meath having nothing to play for in Tullamore on Sunday week have evaporated, there are scenarios where Meath will take to the field for the second half knowing that promotion is in the bag.
Even if that’s not the case, the memory of letting slip a glorious chance for victory against the Royal County in last year's Leinster championship is very fresh and if Offaly’s confidence isn’t completely on the floor, pulling off a shock there is an uphill task but not an impossible one. And if results elsewhere go to form, four points will be enough.
All of that is of course predicated on the team finding a way to seize the moment on Sunday and eke out a win against Cavan, one way or another. It’s been a tough journey to this point of the season and players can be forgiven for feeling a little beleaguered.
Nonetheless, even falling slightly short of the great escape, say by winning this game and keeping things close against Meath, would still create a completely different context for a Leinster championship clash with a Laois team that looks to be coming into form at the perfect time.