17 March 2011
Liam Bradley looked ahead today to Sunday’s vital clash with Sligo and said that Antrim’s players know what they have to do. Speaking to the Antrim website Bradley said the players and management specifically targeted home games as potential point earners and “we have to beat Sligo if we want to show that we belong in the top divisions.”
“It is important for Antrim football that we stay in the Division, it helps us build on what was achieved in 2009 and 2010. For that to happen we have to win our home games and we know that we have to beat Sligo on Sunday.
Asked about the Tyrone defeat Bradley said that despite the loss there were positives in the game for Antrim.
“Look, the conditions were horrible for playing football. We won the toss and took the wind in the first half, and we needed a four or five point cushion to take into the second half. We had loads of possession but our shooting let us down and we ended up leading by two. It wasn’t enough – but in most areas of the field we competed with Tyrone and I think that ever since the Kildare defeat, our performances have been better.”
Bradley remains adamant that he will not complain about the injuries which are currently keeping at least three of his first choice 15 on the sidelines.
“Those injuries are what you have a squad for. Some young lads are getting thrown into Division 2 games and that is a serious level of football for any young fella to be playing. They will benefit from that in the long term and they have served us well so far. Any player that takes to the field for Antrim has every ability to represent the county.
“I hope there will be a good support there on Sunday, we are getting to the crucial end of the season now and these lads have worked and worked over the last three months. They deserve support from Antrim followers.”