Leo Murphy Cup – Ulster U20 Football League
Antrim 1-12 Down 1-9
Antrim produced a strong opening performance in the Ulster U20 football league to beat Down at Dunsilly today. The visitors got off to a good start when Callum Rodgers got through for a goal in the 4th minute after the impressive Ryan McQuillan had pointed the Saffrons ahead in the game’s first attack.
The home side didn’t panic however and replied with a pointed McQuillan free before Nial Faloon fired to the net after being placed by Conal McGirr following a splendid build up and they were never again headed.
They went on to lead 1-6 to 1-5 at the interval with keeper, Shea Laverty kicking a couple of excellent 45’s and Callum Higgins and Tom Shivers both on target for a good Antrim side. Indeed they might have had a couple of goals but a number of promising moves broke down with the final pass going astray.
Down looked to be well in it at half time with Oisin Savange proving a reliable free taker, converting four for the visitors and Jamie Powel getting their other point.
Ryan Jackman’s Antrim found another gear after the break however and Ryan McQuillan extended their lead to two in the 3d minute but they were thankful to keeper, Shea Laverty who made a brave blocking save as Down briefly threatened at the other end.
After that Antrim took control as their defence negated what little threat the Mourne men could muster and with Calum Higgins and Euan Quinn on top at mid-field they started to dominate.
Shea Laverty came forward to send over his third ‘45’ of the game and Tom Shivers struck an outrageous point from a free out near the touchline as the home side began to move the ball around with confidence and stretch the Down defence.
Ryan McQuillan added another and Jack Toner won a race to a breaking ball to send it first time off the ground between the uprights to move the Saffrons seven ahead with about ten minutes remaining.
Down hadn’t scored at this stage of the second half but as both sides introduced a number of subs, Jamie Doran pointed a free in the 22nd minute to spark a mini-revival and Oisin Savage and Doran again added points to put a better look on the scoreline.
Antrim are away to Tyrone at Garvaghy next weekend and are sure to face a much tougher challenge from the Red Hands but their management can be well satisfied with this opening day display and with a number of players still to add to Saturday’s panel, including Conor Johnston and Cathal Hynds they look a useful side.
Antrim: 1 Shea Laverty, 2 Ciaran McGinis, 3 Dan McNicholl, 4 Eoin Gough, 5 Tiernan McCormick, 6 Conan Johnston, 7 Shaun O’Callaghan, 8 Euan Quinn, 9 Calum Higgins, 10 Padraig Gowdy, 11 Tom Shivers, 12 Ronan McKillop, 13 Conall McGirr, 14 Ryan McQuillan, 15 Nial Faloon, 17 Calum Walsh, 18 Jack Toner, 20 Nial Duffy, 21 Patrick Ferris, 22 Eoghan O’Hare, 23 Conor Hastings
Down: 1 Callum Grant, 2 Finn Murdock, 3 Thomas Hardy, 4 Fiachra McEvoy, 5 James Kelly, 6 Callum Rodgers, 7 Paul Og McAvoy, 8 Aaron Murdock, 9 Cormac Greene, 10 Harry Magill, 11 Jamie Doran, 12 Jamie Powell, 13 Emmet Rodgers, 14 Jack Howlett, 15 Oisin Savage, 17 Ciaran Lundy,
