Armagh 2 – 10 Antrim 0 – 14
Armagh Masters got back to winning ways with a narrow victory against Antrim at Pearse Og grounds on Saturday. The difference between the two teams came down to Armagh’s composure in front of the posts, taking most of the opportunities provided, their two goals from Paul Carville and Chris Rafferty making a huge contribution to their victory.
Antrim will feel they left this one behind them, the unavailability of several players who had club commitments due to a Saturday night round of club league games leaving them without some of the firepower that had put up a big score against Down in their previous match.
The visitors started the contest well, creating several clear cut chances that may have allowed them to settle, but with opportunities spurned, and it was Armagh who seized the initiative and dominated the opening quarter. Points from Conor Clarke, Ryan Lawless, Seamus McConville gave the Orchard county a lead, and it took Antrim until the twelfth minute to register their first score, a 40 metre free by David McAlernon.
Dara Edwards replied almost instantly for Armagh, and when Big Paul Carville blasted past Sean McGreevy to open up a six point gap, Antrim looked in trouble. The introduction of Antrim stalwart James McGreevy had an immediate effect, winning his own ball and dispatched between the posts, to signal a revival of sorts. Davy McAlernon added two more points, and hard-working midfielder Brendan Etherson finished off an impressive solo run by reducing the deficit to three points just before the break.
Antrim had their best spell of the game upon the restart, and took the game to their hosts. Declan McLarnon, Anto Healy and Kevin McAllister wasted no time levelling up the contest, and when international panellist Ryan Boyd posted from distance there only looked like one winner.
Armagh had other ideas though, and Chris Rafferty’s goal came at the right time to restore Armagh’s advantage. Paul Carville doubled his personal tally to open up a four point gap, and this remained after Dominic Neeson and Ryan Lawless traded white flags as the game entered the final stretch.
Antrim threw everything they had at finding a way back, and in a five minute spell pressed hard, resulting in two more points from Ryan Boyd and another from Davy McAlernon, leaving just the minimum between them with two minutes left on referee Paul Quigleys watch.
Antrim pushed hard, and created that one last opportunity to equalise, but an interception from Mel Courtney set in motion a solo effort which impressive Conor Carville slotted cooly over the Antrim crossbar with time up, to grab both points for a relieved Armagh.
On another day a draw might have been a more deserving result, but Antrim have only themselves to blame for this one, their wasted opportunities coming back to bite, leaving management rueing the unavailability of several experienced finishers who may well have made all the difference.
For Armagh, Paul Carville, Dara Edwards, Conor Clarke, Ryan Lawless and big Mark Beattie in midfield excelled, whilst Antim had excellent performances from debutant Stephen O’Connell, David McAlernon, Ryan Boyd, Brendan Etherson and Darren Craig.
Referee Paul Quigley (Derry) pictured before the game with Antrim captain Colin Connolly and Armagh captain Mark Beattie.
Scorers;
Armagh; Paul Carville 1 – 03, Chris Rafferty 1 – 01, Ryan Lawless 0 – 03, Conor Clarke 0 – 02, Dara Edwards 0 – 01.
Antrim; Ryan Boyd 0 – 05, David McAlernon 0 – 04, Dominic Neeson 0 – 01, Jamesie McGreevy 0 – 01, Anto Healy 0 – 01, Declan McLarnon 0 – 01, Kevin McAllister 0 – 01.
Referee: Paul Quigley (Derry)