25 March 2010
Monahan U21’s were both strong and sharp and played as a team tonight. Essentially they were competent in virtually all departments whilst Antrim under 21’s, struggled by comparison and it must be said were far from impressive. We simply looked outclassed and unprepared and did not have an answer, in all too many situations. Monahan were clearly the team with real hunger and determination; we were the prey; well and truly outgunned and comprehensibly defeated, by a very confident and well structured Monahan team, who demonstrated significant coordination and cohesion throughout the game.
Now that the worst is over we must look back, if only to see what lessons can be learned from this defeat. What could and should we have done differently. Was it lack of match fitness or was it lack of confidence and fear of failure? Some of our players seemed patently uncomfortable, unable to withstand the level of relentless pressure being applied to them. Our midfield and forwards, with a couple of exceptions, seemed almost intimidated by the level of aggression and sheer tenacity shown by Monaghan defence.
Whatever the reasons for our failure tonight we should try to put this defeat behind us, acknowledge the fact that Monaghan came to Casement all too well prepared, followed their strategic game plan and demonstrated that they are a formidable Under 21 team. This one goes down to experience and its back to training as soon as possible; there are a number of real issues to be addressed and each individual player will have his own soul searching to do.
Result: Antrim 2-06 Monaghan 2-12
Lawrence Smyth Antrim County PRO
