Doire 2 – 11
Aontroim 1 – 14
This third clash of these neighbouring counties in recent years was expected to be close, and that’s exactly what happened in their 3rd round national masters league tie in Moneymore on Saturday. In a contest that ebbed one way and then the other, the sides were finally level when referee Brian McCallion (Castlederg) blew his whistle at the end of an absorbing hour, the two heavyweights slugging it out, chasing that extra point that may yet make a difference when points total is tallied at the end of this most competitive northern league.
Both teams will feel that they should have taken two points, but just as likely both teams could have had nothing to show, therefore a draw was perhaps a fitting result.
Despite the damp and drizzle, a fair crowd had gathered to witness the third version of this modern trilogy, no doubt expecting to see a repeat of those previous endeavours which had resulted in one victory each, albeit by the slimmest of margins.
The much awaited return to county action of legendary Cargin forward Kieran Close resulted in the games opening score, but Derry’s reply within a minute was deadly, a well worked move resulting in Rory OReilly rounding long serving Antrim custodian Sean McGreevy and firing to the net for the opening goal of the game.
Two pointed frees from the accurate feet of All Saints Michael McCarry levelled it up again on the scoreboard, but the reality was Antrim hadn’t really settled into the contest and it was no surprise when bustling Ciaran McIvor and his wing half forward colleague Rory OReilly tagged on a goal and a point to put Derry ahead at the end of the first quarter.
Antrim finally got into their rhythm, and began to put a few moves together. Led from the front by county legend Michael McCann, players began to shake off their cobbles, and dictate the pace of the games second quarter. Classy Kieran Close slotted over his second point after a brilliant offload from Mick McCarry and Barry McMahon followed this with a terrific solo run which he finished himself to raise another white flag.
Another well worked move found Davy McAlernon free but impeded in the Derry goalmouth, up stepped Michael McCarry to slide the ball comfortably into the net from the resulting penalty, and the Saffrons were back in the game.
Michael McCann split the posts from a full fifty yards to put Antim one up, though this slender lead was short lived, Derrys full forward Darren Conway equalising a minute before half time, a score that would send the teams in level for the half time interval.
Despite Antrim’s nervy start to the match, they had settled in well and started off the first half on the front foot, stretching their lead to four inside twelve minutes of the restart. Mick McCann kick started this period of Saffron dominance, another long range point setting the tone, and when Laurence Higgins, Declan McLarnon and Michael McCarry tagged on further scores it really looked like there would be a clear winner. Big Ryan Boyd had battled manfully all day in the midfield exchanges, and his superb point in the forty fifth minute gave Antrim supporters further cause for optimism.
Several of those scores were at the end of moves which saw one on ones with the Derry keeper, and players, wisely or otherwise (as it turned out) deciding to fist the ball over the bar for minors when a green flag may well have put the contest to bed.
Having come from five points down to four up, maybe some Antrim players thought the work had been done, and in truth no one objected to those fisted scores, such was the extend of that particular period of dominance from the visiting Saffrons.
Derry had other ideas though. Their squad is battle hardened and has tasted success in two consecutive seasons, and it was no surprise they would get their own spell back on the front foot.
Ciaran McIvor kickstarted the inevitable comeback with an excellent point, then Glenullin’s highly decorated Gerard O Kane showed why he has captained school college club and county in the past, grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck and dragging his Oakleafs back into the contest. Two hallmark OKane scores, almost identical in nature were dispatched from distance on his left foot, after winning ball and making large advances deep into Antrim territory to level things up.
In between Antrim showed their own fighting spirit, with challenges hard and heavy, vital interceptions from Michael Donnelly and Adrian Scullion notable as players from both counties put their bodies on the line. Two missed frees at crucial times served to increase the anxiety of those in Saffron, punished clinically by Derry half back Edward McLaughlin’s fine solo effort which put the red and white a point up and only a few minutes left on the clock.
This Antrim side have shown their battling qualities on many occasions in the last few years, and now they would need to summon those reserves one more time. Ryan Daly made the vital interception which set in motion an attack which saw Michel Herron release Mick McCarry for the games equalising score, a forty yard effort which came in high off the post to the relief of the travelling party.
With one minute to go Antrim probed for what might have been a last gasp winner, a fingertip interception from retreating Derry forward Sean Brady spoiling that opportunity, to signal the long full time whistle from the very competent referee Brian McCallion.
This absorbing contest probably resulted in its fairest outcome, two good teams giving it their all for a full hour, and demonstrating plenty of ability, skill and determination in between.
Derry’s standout players on the day were Sean Brady, Brian Mullan Eunan Murphy, and Gerard OKane, whilst best in saffron on the day were Michael Herron, Michael McCarry, Stephen OConnell and Michael McCann.
Its possible these counties could meet up once more later this year, possibly in championship mode, and if that is the case, expect sequel number four to be as exhilarating as the previous three.
Antrim travel to play Monaghan in Latton on Saturday 28th June at midday in their next contest, and Louth one week later on Saturday 5th July, hoping for two wins which will set them up for their final league game on Saturday 26th July against Tyrone, All Ireland winners of this increasingly prestigious competition for four consecutive years.
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