Ulster LGFA Minor. 

Monaghan 2-13 Antrim 0-14

Pics Niall Mitchell

Antrim lost on the road to a very well organised and talented Monaghan minor side in their final group game. The outcome sends Antrim to Ulster Platinum final against Cavan and Monaghan to Gold final against Donegal. 

A much changed Antrim side fell behind after 2 quick Monaghan points and never got their noses in front. To the credit of both teams the game was always competitive and the result was in doubt to the last with Antrim pushing for the win and the Farney girls picking off scores at vital times. 

Monaghan dominated much of the first half play and seemed to score 2 points for every Antrim score. Indeed the young Saffs were somewhat wasteful in front of goal while Monaghan were able to pick off good scores from the impressive trio of Karen McGinn, Katie McAdam and Caoimhe Kelly and deservedly led 1-8 to 0-5 at the break. 

Antrim were well served by Tara Rodgers, Aoife Garland and Chloe Boyd-Munce all making their first starts of the campaign and tried to overturn the halftime deficit with a spirited second half display. Antrim took the opportunity to rotate as many players as possible. 

Playing with patience and composure Antrim chipped away at the Monaghan lead but the vital goal came for the home side midway through the second half and this left Antrim with just too much to do.  

On a day when Monaghan needed to win they produced at key times and defended resolutely throughout. 

Both sets of management could be happy with their team’s efforts in an entertaining match. 

Antrim will use the next fortnight to get a number of injuries cleared while Monaghan will hope to build on today’s performance. 

Antrim scorers

E Stewart 0-10. (0-7f)

A Monaghan 0-2

A Fitzsimons 0-1

A McGarry 0-1