18 January 2012
Antrim’s 2012 McKenna Cup came to an end this evening with a 1 point win over Queen’s University and all in all it was a useful 3 game stretch during which more than 25 players saw some action. Liam Bradley and his management team were on the lookout for some new players who can make an impact on the league and championship this year and no doubt 2 or 3 caught the eye. It will be interesting to see the line up for the opening league game V Sligo on February 4th.
It was a cold night at Casement and following defeats to Fermanagh and Tyrone this was effectively a ‘dead rubber’, but the hardy souls who braved the elements at least saw a high scoring game, some terrific scores – and saves – and a narrow win for the hosts.
Paddy Cunningham opened the scoring - exactly on 12 seconds according to my 10 year old son - and the home side started brightly. The full forward line up of Tomas McCann, Cunningham and Bam Neeson combined well, Paddy often linking play from deep. Some neat work between Neeson and Paddy saw the former score his Neeson score his second of the night after 11 minutes and Antrim settled into a 5- 3 lead.
Towards the end of the half QUB gained a foothold in midfield, aided in no small way from Antrim player Sean Burke. At half time the sides were level at 10 points each, with all of Antrim scores coming from play, including a well hit long range strike from Kevin Marron.
By the 10th minutes of the second half Antrim’s defence had been re modelled and now featured Anto Healy, Patrick Gallagher and Tony Scullion.
The scoreboard had a new look too after James Loughrey hit a super goal from a narrow angle to open a 3 point lead. There was never more than 3 in it and QUB were chipping away at our lead until their full forward, with acres of space after the Antrim full back line had moved en masse to the main in possession, collected a pass, took 12 steps without playing the ball before netting.
A Cunningham point, from a free, reduced the lead to one before Tomas McCann set up Neeson for a goal which restored a lead we wouldn’t lose. Two of the more notable passages of play in this period featured a save from the solid Chris Kerr in goals and an attempt by Loughrey for a second goal which brought off a save of a similar standard from the Queen’s keeper.
It was an entertaining game, where passages of good play were concurrent with some poor choices in possession and stray final passes.
The emphasis now lies firmly on the upcoming national league campaign. We open at home to Sligo, on Saturday 4th February. The Antrim squad looks to have a lot more depth this year than last and a sustained promotion push is surely on the cards.
Mark the date – 4th February. See you there
Brendan Mulgrew
