Ulster LGFA Minor final at Crossmaglen
Cavan 2-14 Antrim 2-04
Photos courtesy of Nial Mitchell
Antrim Minor Lgfa squad succumbed to a classy and competent Cavan team in yesterday’s Ulster Platinum final in Crossmaglen.
The young Saffs were certainly up against it as Cavan are the current All Ireland champions at this level and look good value to retain their titles.
Playing against a strong wind in the first half Antrim were penned in for long periods but struck with an exceptional goal from Mia Mills who gathered a pass from Anna Rice just inside the Cavan half and with speed and skill drove through the defence and blasted the ball to the net. Missing a number of chances the Antrim girls took a while to cope with the experienced Breffni side and trailed 1-8 to 2-0 at the half with Erin Stewart grabbing a second major for Antrim just before the break.
Antrim needed a quick start to the second half and to their huge credit they gave it a go.
Mills scored a point from an impossible angle and skipper Hanna Donaghy hit the post with a goal bound effort.
The Saffs then had a chance to bring them into a 2 point game but the ever reliable Stewart missed from the spot.
After a good period for Antrim the Cavan girls started to pick off scores and with 10 minutes to go they broke away to score their second goal and finish the game as a contest.
Antrim can be extremely proud of what they achieved this season by competing at the highest level and topping their section of the Ulster Minor league.
This feat can be put into context as yesterday saw the teams in Antrim’s group lift the Gold, Silver and Bronze titles.
The experience will help these young Antrim players to develop in the years to come.
Antrim scorers M Mills 1-1 E Stewart 1-1 H Donaghy 0-2.
Photo credit Nial Mitchell