LGFA Ulster Minor League

Antrim 2-9 Armagh 2-6

Antrim minor ladies took control of the Ulster league group with a determined and disciplined win against Armagh. In doing so Antrim guaranteed their place in the Ulster Platinum final at the beginning of May. 

Antrim started brightly with an early score from Hanna Donaghy but pretty soon it was obvious that this was a game that would require all the resilience that these young Saffs have become noted for. 

Armagh with dangerous forwards and dogged defending took control for a time and although pegged back by an excellent Erin Stewart goal the Orchard girls stretched their lead to 1-1 to 0-6 with minutes remaining in the first half.  A well taken penalty for Armagh and much needed points from Stewart 2 and the dynamic Aoife Fitzsimons kept Antrim in touch at the half. 

Antrim 1-4 Armagh 1-6. 

Antrim began the second half with greater urgency and focus and within 10 minutes they had captured the lead through a Stewart free and a well worked 45 play that encapsulated control, patience and an outstanding finish from Fitzsimons. Then Hanna Donaghy scored an individual captains goal with what seemed to be half a dozen Armagh defenders hanging on her to give Antrim the lead. 

Donaghy pointed again soon afterwards and then another Stewart point seemed to end the game.  However Armagh after 28 minutes of resolute Antrim defending grabbed a goal to set up a pulsating period of 5 minutes extra time. Antrim nerves were settled when a combination between second half substitutes Mills and McAllister put Fitzsimons in for the final point of the game. 

Antrim scorers

Erin Stewart 1-4

Hanna Donaghy 1-2

Aoife Fitzsimons 0-3

With Down and Monaghan drawing their group game Antrim clinched top spot with a game to go.