24 February 2011
Liam Bradley and his management team have no doubt that the team which takes to the field this Saturday night has the ability to beat Meath. Despite a severe injury list coupled with some key withdrawals and retirements, Bradley refuses to draw on excuses for the two defeats so far.
“Our performance against Kildare wasn’t good enough and the lads knew that. In Laois last week we put up a much stronger show and in the end I thought we were very unlucky to come away with nothing. With 12 or 15 minutes to the game was there for the taking and it was Antrim who had played all the football. Inexperience or naiveté maybe cost us and we’ll look to put that right.
“The fellas in the squad are the best players in the county, so we will always be able to field a team capable of winning matches. The injuries are unfortunate because it reduces our choice, but we know we have a very strong squad to choose from. “
Looking ahead to the game Bradley reckons Meath are another big, strong, physical side.
“They are a powerful team, with a big presence right throughout the field. We have to be ready for that and play to our strengths. One thing we will not lack is effort.”
This is the third Antrim V Meath performance of recent years, with the Royals prevailing in a 2005 qualifier in Casement and there was a 2007 National League victory for the visitors when they won by a goal, 2.11 to 1.11. Before that the most recent competitive match was as far back as 1990, when Antrim won by 10 points, a game recalled in detail in the match programme this Saturday.
The Antrim line up is a changed one, with Sean Burke recalled to the starting 15 and lining out in midfield alongside clubmate Kevin McGourty. Aodhan Gallagher and Brendan Herron will start further up the pitch while Anto Healy comes in for Colin Brady at corner back. Kevin Brady retains his place in the half forward line following a positive display last weekend.
While the squad has been weakened through unavailability and injury, there remains a depth to this group and it is a strong line up which takes to the field on Saturday night. Meath have lost one, won one. If Antrim play to their strengths and spread responsibility for scores, we can ensure that come the end of the match both teams will have ‘played three, won one’.
Finally, if you are interested enough in Antrim to log on and read this site, then you should make every effort get to Casement on Saturday and support your county. These lads are working hard, very hard, and they deserve support.
