A goal and a point deep into added time saw Monaghan minors snatch victory from a spirited Antrim team. 

In a fiercely competitive game of football Antrim had led from early in the first half right up to the last kick of the game. 

Monaghan started well and scored two early points but a brilliant individual goal by Aoife Leahy put the Saffs in front and with points from Evie McAllister and Jojo Darragh being added to by a brilliant brace of goals from skipper Leah Stewart and then another from Erin Stewart Antrim seemed to be in control at halftime. 

A last minute save by Mia Carlin and brilliant defensive work by Aine McCavana Sally Scullion and Lila McCann all suggested that Monaghan would be a threat in the second period. 

Halftime change of keeper for Antrim seemed to have been a master stroke when Zoey Kerr made a number of brilliant saves to keep the net intact. 

However everything changed with 10 minutes left on the clock. Firstly the industrious and threatening Aoife Fitzsimons had to be assisted off the pitch with an ankle injury and then from the resulting restart Leah Stewart sustained a serious knee injury in a collision. With paramedics having to intervene the Antrim girls were visibly upset and never really recovered their composure. 

Monaghan to their credit kept plugging away at the Antrim lead while the young Saffs struggled to get possession 

Two late goals and a last-kick point in the 5th minute of extra time saw Monaghan take the spoils. 

In a season where the Antrim squad faced injury problems and players unavailable due to school commitments it has to be noted that each player gave everything in the county colours. 

Antrim 4-7 Monaghan 2-14

TO SEE MORE OF BRIAN’S PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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