Antrim Football Thread

Spike · March 28, 2022, 11:33:18 AM

Antrim fairly placed in Div 3 lads. The league doesn't lie. Beaten by Limerick, Louth and Westmeath who appear to be ahead of us and simply better outfits at present. We caught Louth cold last year and they totaally underestimated us. they didnt make the same mistake twice. Not that it would have made a difference in the end to the points tally, but the only one that annoys is the Laois game were we got a draw but endured a shocking display by the official. For one I am pleased with the year to date and real progress has been made, but its the hope that kills you.

Another big pre=season ahead, really hope the troops stick with the programme and go for it. On the evidence presented to date, we aren't ready for Div 2 but have to dig in and keep improving the physicality during the pre-season. Div 3 looks like a real battleground next year with a lot of teams at the same level who will all take points off each other.

bannside · March 28, 2022, 12:44:46 PM

Agree with all that Spike, especially it's the hope that kills you bit!

Eoghan Mc Cabe, James Laverty, Odhran Eastwood and Oisin Kerr have seen out practically every game since Enda arrived, mostly starting and finishing every game - droped to the bench in favour of a few who have had little or no game time at all! I didn't see that coming for such an important game tbh.

Ps- the replacements all did ok and Paddy Mc Aleer was excellent when introduced for Tomas I thought.

NatSoSaff · March 28, 2022, 01:28:53 PM

Would the thinking that the team may be better suited to another year in the 3rd division have came into play from the management? Or is that a nonsense suggestion?

bannside · March 28, 2022, 01:55:58 PM

I don't think we should get into conspiracy theories but that thought crossed my mind. If the quartet that were dropped come straight back in again for championship it really does raise the question of that theory alright!

A really strange time to give a run out to a reserve keeper -that's for sure. The management looked very subdued too. Last week all three standing together, yesterday the no 2 and 3 tucked away quietly in the background.

I'd rule nothing in or out Nat....

country bumpkin · March 28, 2022, 02:57:52 PM

Quote from: bannside on March 28, 2022, 09:39:55 AM
Bad day at the office for Cargin as well by the look of things. Strong team out on paper too, I suppose every club has an off day here and there. Going by Geordies Saffron Gael report they just couldn't score....or are the Johnnie's on an upward projectory?

Cargin were poor but without all county players including 6 in the under 20 panel and league is a primary concern BS.....

Another reversal in prospect on Wed night....

Division two may well be easier....

bannside · March 28, 2022, 03:19:07 PM

No medals in March CB. A club with numerous championship titles will rightly not get overexcited about the league. You've a local Derby though on Wednesday and all county players are available, that should be a better barometer if your well-being at this early stage of the year.

Neither manager will be sending a team out in casual mode for that I wouldn't think.

country bumpkin · March 28, 2022, 03:40:16 PM

Quote from: bannside on March 28, 2022, 03:19:07 PM
No medals in March CB. A club with numerous championship titles will rightly not get overexcited about the league. You've a local Derby though on Wednesday and all county players are available, that should be a better barometer if your well-being at this early stage of the year.

Neither manager will be sending a team out in casual mode for that I wouldn't think.

Not sure if senior county players are available on Wed night but certainly under 20s are not....

But I am sure our lads would love to gain another league title....but such maybe beyond them....

Sportacus · March 28, 2022, 04:26:33 PM

Quote from: NatSoSaff on March 28, 2022, 01:28:53 PM
Would the thinking that the team may be better suited to another year in the 3rd division have came into play from the management? Or is that a nonsense suggestion?

Not a chance. McGinley and O'Neill are winners.

Lár na páirce 1 · March 28, 2022, 04:41:58 PM

Quote from: country bumpkin on March 28, 2022, 03:40:16 PM
Quote from: bannside on March 28, 2022, 03:19:07 PM

County players are available for next 2 weeks as far as I'm aware
No medals in March CB. A club with numerous championship titles will rightly not get overexcited about the league. You've a local Derby though on Wednesday and all county players are available, that should be a better barometer if your well-being at this early stage of the year.

Neither manager will be sending a team out in casual mode for that I wouldn't think.
Not sure if senior county players are available on Wed night but certainly under 20s are not....

But I am sure our lads would love to gain another league title....but such maybe beyond them....

country bumpkin · March 28, 2022, 04:47:26 PM

Quote from: Lár na páirce 1 on March 28, 2022, 04:41:58 PM
Quote from: country bumpkin on March 28, 2022, 03:40:16 PM
Quote from: bannside on March 28, 2022, 03:19:07 PM

County players are available for next 2 weeks as far as I'm aware
No medals in March CB. A club with numerous championship titles will rightly not get overexcited about the league. You've a local Derby though on Wednesday and all county players are available, that should be a better barometer if your well-being at this early stage of the year.

Neither manager will be sending a team out in casual mode for that I wouldn't think.
Not sure if senior county players are available on Wed night but certainly under 20s are not....

But I am sure our lads would love to gain another league title....but such maybe beyond them....

You are right in that one BS county seniors are released to play Wed night.....

bannside · March 28, 2022, 04:56:48 PM

That should even things up a bit at least. No one wants to lose local derbies, even if it's "only" the league.

country bumpkin · March 28, 2022, 05:01:33 PM

Quote from: bannside on March 28, 2022, 04:56:48 PM
That should even things up a bit at least. No one wants to lose local derbies, even if it's "only" the league.

As Vincent Ward former Runai of Gall's and a good friend told me many years ago, You boys keen on winning leagues and we (Galls) will concentrate on the championship.

Took a while but lesson taught back.then well learned....

bannside · March 28, 2022, 05:23:50 PM

But as you know yourself, when a championship was just out of your reach, it was good to have the league trophy available for your dinner dance. Just in case you would slip up in an oul semi final or final. Yes/No

Vincent was a wise sage and a gentleman to boot.

country bumpkin · March 29, 2022, 08:18:14 AM

Quote from: bannside on March 28, 2022, 05:23:50 PM
But as you know yourself, when a championship was just out of your reach, it was good to have the league trophy available for your dinner dance. Just in case you would slip up in an oul semi final or final. Yes/No

Vincent was a wise sage and a gentleman to boot.

No.....had enough of that 'league specialist" jibe to last a lifetime.....

country bumpkin · March 29, 2022, 11:47:09 AM

Having considered the game on Sunday last we would, on recollection the huge strides forwarded
have made this year.
Westmeath, make no mistake are a good team and our lads were totally dominant for a good portion.

That penalty and a couple of wayward kick outs from a young keeper who certainly looks one for the future cost us.

A comfortable finishing berth in the league and a winnable championship beckons and it is onwards and upwards...