LGFA Ulster Minor Football League
Fermanagh 2-8 Antrim 5-16
Photographs: Niall Mitchell
Antrim minors got their Ulster campaign off to a great start with an impressive performance against a hardworking and resilient Erne side.
Antrim got off to a flying start when Evie McAllister scored a well taken goal to begin the game. After a number of missed opportunities the young Saffs took control through the ever reliable Erin Stewart from both open play and dead balls. While Fermanagh moved the ball well to a dangerous full forward line the defensive work of Aine McCavana, Sally Scullion, Aoife Mitchell and keeper Mia Carlin restricted them to some long range frees.
A second goal for Antrim by wing back Lila McCann and solid midfield work from Amelie Annett, Laura Scullion, Brooke Largey and Aideen McDonnell kept Antrim in control and moving forward. The work rate and dangerous running of Aoife Fitzsimon, Anna Adams and Chloe Boyd Munce marshalled by captain Leah Stewart insured that the Glens girls had a healthy 3-8 to 1-4 lead at the break.
The second half saw Antrim introduce the experienced group of Jojo Darragh, Ruby McErlain, Aoife Leahy, Siobhan McGurk and keeper Zoey Kerr and the game followed a similar pattern with Antrim dominating possession and working relentlessly in defence.
Antrim completely changed their team allowing all players an opportunity and with the constant scoring threat of Darragh, McErlain and debutant Orlaith McCrory always had control of the game. The Antrim backs continued to move the ball forward quickly and were comfortable in possession.
By this stage Antrim were being driven forward with clever passing from Aoife Garland and Grace Ferris and the strong running of Cara Lynch, Lacey Saunders and Jess Hotchkiss. The Naomh Eanna pair of Tara Rodgers and Maria Mallon were now in the thick of the action and Seana Bradley replaced the injured Siobhan McGurk. After a brave piece of play Antrim were unlucky to concede a penalty that was saved by the reliable Zoey Kerr.
A pleasing start for Antrim and an impressive spread of scores put Antrim in good spirits for the challenge of Tyrone in a fortnight’s time.
Antrim Scorers
E Stewart 1-4
R McErlain 1-4
J Darragh 1-2
E McAllister 1-1
L McCann 1-0
L Stewart 0-3
A Fitzsimons 0-1
A Adams 0-1
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