The few who travelled to support Antrim footballers were put through the entire gamut of emotions yesterday.
Pride at such a gutsy on the front foot effort from the first whistle. Disappointment at not being composed enough to take four or five fairly easy chances that would have given us a proper lead with the wind, especially when we were totally dominating the game.
Anger at the wee useless, completdly out of his depth Sligo referee who played to the home crowd giving Leitrim many soft frees to bring them back into it. He signalled for a superb Ryan Murray point, Neither umpire objected, keeper went to kick the ball out....next thing the wee git got into a conversation on his head set with the LINESMAN, who said it was wide. That's with 5 mins to go with the game in the melting pot. Ryan contested the decision too vigorously for his liking and got a red card. Our best player removed for the final die dog last few minutes.
Declan Lynch was superb throughout, but he contested a debatable foul with the ref who brought the ball forward TWENTY yards, right into the scoring zone. Another point he scored for them.
For the first time ever I met a referee coming off the pitch and called him out for what he was. He got every barrel I had and I can definitely say that if that kind of inept inconsistent refereeing performance was against a team with a large passionate support, he would have needed the guards to get him off the pitch.
A really frustrating day but plenty of positives about the fight and spirit in the squad.
