Laois 1-8 Antrim 1-8
A trip to Portlaoise for a 6pm throw in on a Saturday night would never be high on my list of priorities but when it features my beloved Antrim and the possibility of maintaining top spot in the Allianz NFL Division 3 then I’m always able to make an exception.
With a companion from the press we managed to arrive an hour early as the wind howled down the back of the O’Moore Park stand but after a cup of tea and a sandwich from the lunch bag and the obligatory toilet stop it was out into the elements with the trusty 7D in anticipation of an Antrim win.
The Saffrons elected to play with the wind in the opening half and things seemed to be going to plan when an Odhran Eastwood goal mid-way through the half appeared to have placed them in a strong position.
A growing frustration as decisions from the man in the middle seemed to be stacked against them and when that frustration manifested itself in protest the ball was moved forward into scoring positions with Gary Walsh capitalising for the O’Moore Park side.
It was still looking good for the visitors when they led by six going into the final ten minutes of the half but Antrim’s frustration was compounded when Evan Carroll rose to flick another Gary Walsh free to the net despite protests that the big full-forward was in the square, which were waved away by referee McKenna.
By half time the Antrim lead had been reduced to two and with the wind strength slightly increasing it looked like a long second half for Enda McGinley’s side.
Those fears appeared to be materialising as Laois struck the first three points of the second half to edge in front but Antrim showed great determination and desire as they kept the ball well into the wind and came close to equalising on a number of occasions.
Mick McCann finally got them back on terms before another disputed free and the award of a point for a shot that had clearly crept wide saw Enda McGinley sent to the stand for his protest even though his objections saw the score then ruled out.
A mighty second half effort appeared to have been for nothing when keeper Matthew Byron stepped up to send a 50 meter free between the uprights in the 72nd minute to give Laois the lead but Antrim quite simply refused to roll over.
A strong run from Paddy McAleer brought about a foul from the Antrim kick-out and Ruairi McCann picked out Ryan Murray with a quick free and the Lamh Dhearg wizard skipped clear to keep his cool and split the posts to earn Antrim a deserved draw.
The long journey home from Portlaoise can seem even longer after defeat and Murray’s equaliser was greeted with a mixture of elation and relief and something to talk about on the journey home.
The Saffrons will feel that decisions didn’t go their way on the day and given the circumstances leading to Enda McGinley’s dismissal I hope the powers that be will look favourably on his protests.
It’s Longford at Corrigan Park next day out and Antrim go into that game with their promotion hopes still very much alive. In most circumstances protesting decisions backfires and on a number of occasions on Saturday night Antrim were made to pay for those protests and it is something the management will look at in the coming days as they prepare for the Longford visit.
The team itself has made massive strides under the present management and midway through their second campaign in charge Antrim look a different animal. They are more resilient, fitter and show a much greater desire and never throw in the towel when the chips are down.