Masters League
Antrim 1-9 Derry 0-16
Derry out-scored Antrim in this Ulster Masters football league game at Dunsilly on Saturday but three superb saves by Antrim keeper, Sean McGreevey and a goal from Sean McKenna, at the end of the third quarter kept the Saffrons in the hunt until late in the game.
Derry had runners all over their field with their half-back line of Paul Carlin, Brian Mullan and Mark McGurne carrying the ball at pace out of defence and keeping the hosts on the back foot while their captain, Jimmy O’Connor was all over the place and always provided a willing target for his colleagues.
Eunan Murphy fisted over after 25 seconds to give the visitors the lead and Brian Mullan made it 2-0 before Ryan Boyd replied from a great long range point to get Antrim up and running.
It was Derry who made the early running and they looked in for a goal but Sean McGreevey pulled off a great blocking save to deny Ryan O’Kane who found himself in a one on one with the Antrim keeper.
Derry continued to press and Shane McFlynn extended their lead before Boyd replied with his and Antrim’s second point to leave just one in it after 10 minutes but the Saffrons survived another scare when Joe Grey’s shot cannoned off the crossbar and was cleared to safety.
The visitors were starting to get on top however and points from Kevin McGuckin 0-2, Paul McFlynn from a 20 meter free and Joe Grey moved them 0-7 to 0-3 ahead by the 23d minute before Antrim rallied with points from Damien Casey and ‘Wigsie’ Craig.
Late scores from Grey and O’Connor and McIvor had Derry 0-10 to 0-5 ahead at the break and with the wind on their back s for the second half they were expected to push on but Antrim dug in deep to keep in touch.
It was Derry who opened the second half scoring through Joe Grey but Sean Kelly replied for Brian White’s side and Sean McKenna pointed a 20 meter free to close the gap to four with five minutes of the second half gone.
Joe Grey and Shane McFlynn extended the Derry lead again but Sean McKenna got on the end of a great cross-field pass from Mark Graham to finish to the Derry net in the 15th minute to keep the Saffron’s hopes alive.
The visitors continued to push but Antrim were sitting back and soaking up a lot of pressure and mid-fielder, Liam Magee gave them fresh hope with a couple of good points to leave just a goal between the sides as we entered the closing stages.
That would be as close as they got with Sean McGreevey pulling off two superb saves as Derry tried to put the contest to bed but a late close range free from Paul McFlynn ensured that there would be no way back for the home side.
A tough, entertaining game of football which Derry fully deserved to win in the end and their superior fitness proved a vital factor against an Antrim team missing a few regulars who gave it all but came up short in the end.
