21 March 2009
NFL [Casement Park – 21-03-09]
Antrim 3- 20 London 0-4
Antrim senior footballers took one more small but significant step forward tonight, when they met and comprehensively defeated a comparatively weak London team, at Casement Park. It is tempting to suggest that London, tonight, triggered memories, for this writer at least, of some past performances of a fragmented and much weaker Antrim team than we have today. London had all too many scoring opportunities but seemingly could not find the target. It is perhaps enough said to suggest that the London forward line were not confident.
By contrast Antrim half backs, mid fielders half forwards and forwards, almost without exception were frequently demonstrating their new found skills and coordinated team work and in direct consequence were involved in successfully attacking a vulnerable London defence. In all ten Antrim players racked up scores; that again has to be an impressive performance by any standards, weaker opposition notwithstanding.
Bradley’s lads are improving measurably and performing well. These are early days, with tougher trials to come – Antrim players are under no illusions. There is much still to do and horn-blowing or back-slapping are not options. But even the begrudger’s should be coming around to wondering, what is going on, or even thinking that there are signs of some real progress taking place within Antrim’s recent efforts. It will probably take more than that for some but promotion was a goal at outset; it is now within sight and concentration on finishing the task is the immediate imperative. Come out and give them your full support.
Antrim players are increasingly able to demonstrate their structured training, in terms of there being more in evidence of good team-work with a better understanding of the advantages of having good set pieces and drill disciplines, which help keep the ball moving forward quickly. The availability of a strong back-up, by way of additional honed players, keen to get on board at any opportunity, adds a positive dimension to the Antrim side. Colm Fleming took his opportunity to impress tonight,as a late sub, with a very well taken goal. This is another case of a good job well done – keep going - you are right on target.
The following players featured in Antrim’s win tonight:
Paddy Cunningham 1-06, Michael Pollock 1 - 02 , Colm Fleming 23 [sub] 1 – 00 , Tomás Mc Cann 0 - 3 , Mark Dougan 0 – 2 , Deaghlan O’Hagan 0- 1 , James Loughrey 0 – 1 ,Dara Edwards 0 -1 , Aodhan Gallagher 0 – 1 ,Kevin Brady 0 – 1 and Patrick Carey 0 –
Lawrence Smyth County PRO
