26 February 2012
Jerry Wallace’s reign as Antrim manager got off to a flying start when they overcame a shaky start to beat Wexford by 3-18 to 2-13 in Sunday’s Allianz NHL Division 1B opener at Casement Park.
The Cork man must have been slightly worried when Eoghan Quigley's goal helped the visitors into a five-point lead in the early stages but the Saffrons never panicked and slowly but surely began to get a grip on the game.
Two goals inside 60 seconds from top scorer Shane McNaughton and debutant full-forward Kevin Sheerin gave Antrim a grip on the game and when Karl Stewart got in behind the visitors defence to fire in his side’s third
they stretched 3-9 to 1-7 clear by the break.
Wexford improved in the second half and Eoin Quigley netted again to keep the Antrim fans on edges. The visitors closed to within four at one stage but the Saffrons steadied the ship and went on to win by six points.
Antrim keeper Chris O'Connell was magnificent in the first half and made a series of great saves including one from John Lacey's penalty while in front of him the defence did really well.
Karl Stewart excelled at midfield while in the forwards Shane McNaughton was top scorer with Michael Herron and PJ O’Connell also to the fore.
It was a good start for new Saffrons boss Jerry Wallace in his first competitive game in charge.
Antrim: C O'Connell; A Graffin, C Donnelly, Kieran McGourty; N McAuley, N McManus, S McCrory; K Stewart, B McFall; S McLaughlin, M Herron, C McFall; S McNaughton, K Sheeran, PJ O'Connell. Subs
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