Monaghan 0 – 10  Antrim 2 – 13

Antrim Masters got their season back on track with a good performance against gritty Monaghan in Clones on Saturday. Playing into a slight breeze big midfielder Brendan Etherson got the scoreboard ticking with an excellent point in the third minute and classy Kieran Close added another a few minutes later to send the visitors into an early lead.

With Ryan Boyd and Brendan Etherson claiming plenty of possession around the middle and Michael Herron leading his defence from the front, once Michael McCann started to run his engine through the gears there was only going to one winner. Michael pointed in the seventh minute, his first of four points on a day when at times he looked on a different level.

Antrims Kieran Close was also in terrific form, his well-timed runs securing lots of possession, one of which he used to chalk up Antrim’s second point of the day. 

Monaghan were still competitive though, with full forward Noel Smith a particular handful, his three well taken points keeping the Farneymen level on the scoreboard along with a point from Peter Tuite.  

A timely interception by Thomas Doherty set up a superb Antrim move which involved half a dozen Antrim men before Michael McCarry finished to the Monaghan net to put a little daylight between the teams as the new Clones scoreboard read minute seventeen. Peter Tuite would narrow the deficit once again for the hosts but in the closing minutes of the half, two superbly taken points from Darren Craig and Ryan Boyd steadied the ship, sending the Saffrons in four points to the good at half time.

A four point lead at half time didn’t realy do justice to Antrim’s dominance, a disallowed goal and hitting woodwork twice meant the scoreboard remained closer than it may have.

Monaghan centre half Stephen Fitzpatrick reduced that gap slightly with the opening score of the second half, but it would be almost fifteen minutes before Monaghan scored again. This third quarter saw Antrim playing with confidence and purpose as they began to assert themselves on the contest.

Kevin McAllister opened his account for the day before Michael McCann tagged on two super points from play, to put Antrim six points up. The next few minutes saw his fellow Cargin legend Kieran Close chip in with a goal and a point, and when the excellent Michael McCarry fired over immediately afterwards, all of a sudden the gap was out to ten points. Antrim Masters stalwart Liam Geezer Magee extended the lead out to eleven with a well taken score, introducing himself to the action.

As both teams ran their benches points from Monaghans excellent Noel Smith, as well as Eddie Lennon and Aidan McGarrel kept Monaghan in touch, without the result ever being in real doubt.

Mickey Donnelly concluded the scoring with a fine point for the Saffrons which would prove to be his side’s final score of a productive evening’s work.

Antrim will be relieved to get back to winning ways, and management will be pleased with some of the quality on offer, particularly during an excellent fifteen minute period when Antrim scored 1 – 04 without reply.

Antrim’s defence was sound throughout, captain for the day Ryan Daly and Michael Herron always in control posted superb individual displays. The midfield duo of Ryan Boyd and Bredan Etherson both contributed enormously to the victory, winning a high percentage of kick outs and breaking ball which provided a vital platform for a forward line which worked hard all day and can be pleased with their own individual efforts.

Barry McMahon and Michael McCarry showed their worth to this squad, their fitness and assurance on the ball providing lots of attacking options, many which resulted in scores. Kieran Close looked much more like his classy self and his contribution of a goal and three points demonstrating his value to his team.

Fellow Cargin legend Michael McCann’s contribution was immense throughout, his participation with his county over 40s providing Antrim with a top quality player who many believe should still be playing with his county seniors.

Michael was the quality player on view, edging the man of the match conversation on the day which also involved tough competitors to the cause, Brendan Etherson and Michael Herron and Kieran Close who were also superb throughout.

Antrims next league match is a Round 5 league game at home to Louth on Saturday with a 2pm throw in, at Cargin GAC.