Football

Cavan boss Hyland happy to see the system prevail

Cavan manager Terry Hyland believes the Breffni senior team is reaping the benefits from having a squad of players who all know how to play to "the system".

Despite the fact Hyland's team had only two challenge games before their trip to Creggan on Sunday, they still managed to secure a nine-point victory over antrim.

Eight players from the Cavan team which started against the Saffrons on Sunday have won Ulster U21 medals during the past three seasons.

While the Breffni boss was impressed at the manner in which his players gelled together, he attributed their good teamwork to the foundations that have been laid in previous years.

"I thought we worked well as a unit," said Hyland (above). "The fellas slotted well into the system and that suited us. We also worked hard on the system last summer. If the system is there, it makes it easier and they have trained at it." Although Hyland was keen to stress that the victory stemmed from a "team performance" he picked out three players who really impressed him.

"Alan Clarke had a good game. Turlough Mooney, who was with the U21s last year had a good game and Kevin Tierney did well."

Mooney played at wing-forward in the U21 side that defeated Donegal in last year's provincial final while Tierney's ability to hit the net propelled Cavan to success in 2012. Tierney bagged two goals against the Saffrons.

Apart from highlighting Cavan's ability to execute their plan, Hyland also noted that young players require less time to regain their fitness.

"We have a very young squad so it easy to get them sharp at this time of the year," he said.

Having won their first game Cavan can now start entertaining ambitions of reaching the semi-finals. Even if they lose to Down on Sunday and fail to top Group C, they could still progress to the last four as the highest placed runners-up. And Hyland made no secret of his desire to reach the play-offs and win the trophy. "I would love to reach them," he said. "Even with underage tournaments, it was always our aim to win as much as we can."

Outlining his reasons for wanting to progress in the competition, he said: "I think the more games the lads play together at a competitive level the better it is for them.

"Winning is a habit. There are good habits and there are bad habits. Winning is a good habit."

Meanwhile, the Cavan County Board has increased security around Kingspan Breffni Park after five members of the senior football panel had personal belongings stolen during a training session.

The Cavan players' dressing room was burgled while they were training last Friday night.

Cavan PRO Declan Woods has confirmed that mobile phones, wallets, cash and a set of car keys were stolen

"We're very disappointed that while a group of players representing their county were out training in preparation for the match at the weekend, individuals would target them like that.

"It's indicative of incidents occurring at this time, and it is a reminder that we all must be more aware and vigilant in protecting our property, whether that's at home or elsewhere," said Woods.