28 March 2009
NFL – Antrim 1-11 - Sligo: 0 -9
A significantly improved crowd gathered tonight in Casement Park, to see how Antrim county footballers would perform against Sligo, in a match otherwise expected to be fiercely contested; spectators were not to be disappointed. An invigorated Antrim team set the pace from outset with some fascinating displays of both speed and skill. They were first on the score board after one minute then and relentless in their pursuit of further points, in the first twenty five minutes, before Sligo eventually reacted with some real determination to get into the game. Antrim continued their attack, often whilst under severe pressure at times and were unlucky not to have been further ahead in the first half, which ended with a superb goal from Paddy Cunningham, [Captain] in the 34th minute, leaving the score at 1- 6 to Antrim, 5 points to Sligo.
This game was always going to be hard work and Sligo were and are no easy task; understandably with so much at stake. Winning this match could and would be crucial to the goal of achieving that much wanted promotion to division 3. The second half was hard fought. There were only nine points in all scored during the second period, such was the ferocity and determination of defenders on both sides.
As the game progressed during the second half Antrim had to withstand the ferocious onslaught of a determined Sligo, who by this stage were attacking with all guns blazing. Antrim however weathered the storm, whilst their forwards systematically broke many of the charges to make their own counter charge and in effect creased their lead. To the eternal credit of Antrim defenders tonight they were magnificent under intense pressure and in a game dominated essentially by a battle of the defenders Antrim prevailed with merit.
It should be worth noting perhaps, at this point in the season, that every section of the Antrim team has at some time or other been tasked with digging deep and thereby delivering and that they have done so in spades. This is real team effort and a credit to everyone on board for the inordinate effort made to bring such a transformation about. Tonight should have made everyone involved or identifying with and supporting their county justly proud. This result is, in absolute terms, the culmination of goal setting, clear focus, sustained discipline and a lot of very hard work in training – well done lads, one and all – you just set down a marker - the worm has turned.
Lawrence Smyth County PRO.
