Cork v Down, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2.00pm

Sunday, February 12
Allianz Football League Division II
Cork v Down, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 2.00pm

A repeat of the 2010 All-Ireland final, who would have thought that neither Cork nor Down would make it past the quarter-final stages of last year’s championship?

The year 2011 was one that both counties would like to forget. Although Cork did retain their Allianz League title last year, it was the retention of a more valuable piece of silverware that they were more concerned with. Down were even further off the pace, their annihilation at the hands of the Rebels in the Qualifiers highlighting just how far they had allowed standards to slip in 12 months.

The Allianz League, therefore, takes on an added significance for Cork and Down. Down started like they mean business with a 1-10 to 1-9 defeat of Division II and Ulster champions Donegal, while the Rebels were perhaps a shade unfortunate to lose goal scorer Paul Kerrigan to a red card in the first half of their draw with Armagh.

The last meeting between the sides was that Round 4 Qualifier in Croke Park last August, when Donncha O’Connor hit 1-7 for the Rebels in a 2-20 to 0-14 win. Significantly, it was the game in which Daniel Goulding sustained a serious ankle injury and he has not been seen in a Cork jersey since. With Ciaran Sheehan also out long-term and Paddy Kelly and Colm O’Neill nursing minor knocks it’s little wonder Cork struggled for scores against Armagh.

In their League meeting last year – played at Páirc Uí Rinn under the lights - Cork found their goal touch and ran out convincing winners on a 3-17 to 0-15 scoreline. Goulding was the man of the match on that occasion, scoring 0-7, but with the Éire Óg man out of action, the spotlight will fall on Donncha O’Connor, Colm O'Neill and newcomers like Mark Collins and Fiachra Lynch to give Cork the edge.

Down may have started their camaign with a win, but manager James McCartan was quick to stress that all he is looking for from the League is survival in the top flight. "If after three or four games we’ve a few wins we can re-evaluate but at the minute it is survival we’re looking at,” McCartan said.

They gained two valuable points on home soil given they their only other games at Páirc Esler are against Dublin and Kerry, while they face four games away from the comforts of home. There are few more daunting away trips in the Allianz League than to the home of the champions for the last two years.

With Martin Clarke gone back to Australia, Liam Doyle took on free-taking duties from centre-back and ended the Donegal game with 1-4. It was a confidence-inspiring performance for McCartan and his Mourne side, but Donegal were not at full strength and Cork should provide a sterner test, especially after the journey all the way down to Leeside.

Cork have the Indian sign over Down, winning their last three competitive meetings, and there is no reason to believe that will change on Sunday.