06 February 2011
Antrim’s Division 2 campaign started with a whimper today against Kildare at Casement Park. The opening quarter was Antrim’s best spell, but even during that period, and for the whole of the first half, we failed to score from play. In fact we didn’t score at all during the second quarter. While Cunningham and Dougan were converting Antrim’s frees, Kildare were missing some of theirs but points from open play meant they were two clear at the break, 0.6 to 0.4.
The home fans would have been hopeful of a second half increase in tempo but it was Kildare who moved up a gear. Following the frankly ridiculous sending off of Andy McClean the away win was effectively sealed. The referee had a poor game overall, blowing up every possible indiscretion and not facilitating any flow to the play.
Antrim found it hard to get the ball beyond the middle third of the field, and the full forward line was largely starved of useful possession. There were some hard tackles and terrific blocks put in by saffron defenders but for the second game in a row we conceded the equivalent of 20 points, albeit that Kildare’s goal came with literally the last kick of the game, when the result was already well and truly settled.
Kildare are a good team for sure, big, strong around the middle with a bunch of forwards who can spread their scores. They will prove strong contenders in the Division. As for Antrim, the next stage of the campaign is a game away to Laois in two weeks time, and it is probably the case that supporters and players alike can now fully realise the size of the task in hand.
This Division is going to be tough, survival will be the aim and hopefully there are better days ahead.
View Gallery