05 April 2012
The last time Antrim travelled to Breffini Park for a Division 3 league game was early in the campaign in 2010. On that occasion Antrim turned on the style, particularly in the second half, and in the end we won at ease in a league campaign which ended in promotion. This year the stakes are much lower for Antrim, with promotion beyond our reach following 3 successive defeats, and relegation thankfully not on the agenda. The requirements of the home side though, who need a result to maintain any hopes of staving off relegation to Division 4, should make for a competitive affair.
Liam Bradley and his management team will want to end a losing run before the summer campaign kicks off, and if we can win here it will mean 4 wins from 7 games. That is not a bad return in hindsight, but there is no hiding the disappointment among fans and indeed the squad following the defeat at home to Wexford. So a win is important and so too is a strong and competitive performance.
Bradley has named a somewhat changed team. Willie McSorley starts in goals for the first time since the 3 game qualifier run last summer (McKenna Cup aside), Simon McDonagh comes in to start at midfield with Glenavy’s Owen Gallagher starting in the half forward line. It is a strong looking team with a strong looking bench. Cavan’s plight is their own to worry about, hopefully Antrim can get back that winning habit before focussing on the Monaghan championship game next month.
Antrim team v Cavan, Sunday 8 April 2012
1. William Mc Sorley
2. Patrick Gallagher
3. Deaghlan O Hagan
4. Kevin O Boyle
5. Tony Scullion
6. Justin Crozier
7. James Loughery
8. Simon Mc Donagh
9. Aodhan Gallagher
10. Conor Murray
11. Owen Gallagher
12. Martin Johnson
13. Colm Duffin
14. Michael Mc Cann
15. Mark Sweeney
16. Chris Kerr
17. Michael Armstrong
18. Kevin Brady
19. Aaron Douglas
20. Sean Finch
21. Richard Johnson
22. Michael Magill
23. Mark Mc Aleese
24. Patrick Mc Bride
25. Tomas Mc Cann
26. Ryan Murray
27. Ryan Daly
