Antrim Football Thread

[inabsentia]

At the game yesterday and didn't think the ref was awful.

But there were a few instances that had you scratching your head.

Mick could have easily been a black card in the first half.

Some embarrassing moments for the PG1 backs diving all over the show that he didn't buy.

There was one particular instance which I thought was a cert free where Mick went up to take the ball and McAleese drove his shoulder through him in the air and he looked to come down awkwardly.

All in all free taking and decision making was the issue for PG1. Putting the ball into the square when there was 5 minutes to go and they were a point down I don't understand

[Hectic]

Experience carried Cargin through yesterday.

It was a hash of a game but also an exciting watch because it was a game of fine margins.

I just wonder how much enjoyment lads get from playing in games where the major focus is on crowding and closing, especially when it is not always being called consistently.  Or what alternative approach teams can take that then does not then just run into the opposition trap.

Cargin will certainly be hoping to shake off a few injuries now and get Ulster ready. 

Have they been looking to peak for Ulster all along or are they showing signs of the last throws of an era of domination?

[Spike]

its said every year yet they still find a way, even when not playing well.  PG1 will be pleased with their performance yet Cargin wont though they still were pretty comfortable throughout extra time. If you cant beat a team playing poorly does that say more about you than them?   

regarding the enjoyment factor, numbers playing would suggest the game is still appreciated by many.  if it wasn't would the likes of Niall McKeever and Justin Crozier still be at it? doubtful.

[bannside]

You think Portglenone are pleased with themselves? How do you come up with that?

They're gutted, and when they watch the live stream highlights in the club in an hour or two they will find it a hard watch...basically kicked twice the amount of wides that Cargin did, and scuffed enough chances to win several games.

Basically beat themselves, that's the view from here, and they are devastated because they left here expecting to win the game.

And once again, well done to Cargin, your name goes down for another year.

[BigGreenField]

Swarm tackling ain't pretty but not against the rules and both sides fairly disciplined on this yesterday, so not blaming the ref here as wasn't any fouls,  (as a ref from about here said look for the soft free..) Horrible stuff though.

One foul MMcC didn't get I think partly as he took a swan dive half way through (it was still a foul) and possible because he'd had words with the officials previously, who knows if that sometimes influences the other way.

DC on commentary is normally pretty balanced, he did lose the run once or twice yesterday and a bit of balance would have been good, I thought having 2 lads on (and less of JQ was a good thing) wouldn't have minded a pitchside half time interview with a PG1 viewpoint with the fancy new camera.

A funny one for Cargin, the test will have done them the world of good and posed some questions they hadn't had in a while, possibly a little worrying as while PG1 struggled to score, arguably with a 2 point winning margin, so did Cargin - largely because Tomas was forced out the field in search of ball and space and he remains the chief creator.

Although it's all curates egg stuff as a win in a final is a win and that's all that matters.

[Duine Inteacht Eile]

Yeah, I'd be shocked if PG1 were pleased with their performance. They made fundamental error after fundamental error and I imagine they will think that they could play much better than they did.

[Hectic]

Fair enough and I guess even in a game as through other as yesterday still need find a way and when the final whistle goes the joy is the same.

I'll certainly be right behind Cargin for Ulster and hope they have another gear or two there.  Aside from injuries and the type of game that unfolded there was also some brutal passing from dead balls too - basic stuff.

But better to get that out of the system in a scrappy win and find closer to perfection the next day.

[Spike]

You think Portglenone are pleased with themselves? How do you come up with that?

They're gutted, and when they watch the live stream highlights in the club in an hour or two they will find it a hard watch...basically kicked twice the amount of wides that Cargin did, and scuffed enough chances to win several games.

Basically beat themselves, that's the view from here, and they are devastated because they left here expecting to win the game.

And once again, well done to Cargin, your name goes down for another year.

BS, understandable you're emotional but saying the above when it isn't true renders any valid points less effective.

The stats of normal time according to the GAA Sports Tracker App were PG1 17 shots, Cargin the same with 17 shots. PG1 7 scores, Cargin 7 Scores. PG1 7 wides, Cargin 5 wides. PG1 3 dropped short, Cargin 5 dropped short. And Cargin managed the extra time period with relative ease when PG1s shot selection from absurd positions in a pressure environment was crazy. for example the one off the ground on the right hand side was plain daft

But regardless of stats or mine or anyone's opinion on here, whats done is done and Portglenone have to tell themselves whatever they need to tell themselves so that they get back to a final.

[BelSaft]

On some of the above:
Jerome so bad! not a clue. You'd think he would know the Antrim Club players at this stage?
Damien so Bias it's unbelievable
Officiating with in the county is at an all time low. So many out of their depth. Not sure what the answer is.
Sports Tracker App boy not much better than Jerome.

Fair Play Cargin

[Milltown Row2]

Some experts on here!

Cargin were odds on favourites and won

Portglenone can be encouraged on where they are. Encouraged though is not enough, they may come back, though others will feel they can also.

Cargin can now reset for Ulster, plenty room for improvement, that's what you want as a manager

Berating officials after the game, ffs, it's done, enjoy the win, and celebrate, the personal attacks I seen on tv is not a good look

[Sportacus]

On some of the above:
Jerome so bad! not a clue. You'd think he would know the Antrim Club players at this stage?
Damien so Bias it's unbelievable
Officiating with in the county is at an all time low. So many out of their depth. Not sure what the answer is.
Sports Tracker App boy not much better than Jerome.

Fair Play Cargin

On refs, it's been a vicious circle for a long time (although I never really remember them being much good).
GAA changes the rules every year so there's plenty of confusion around.
The appeals culture in the GAA means their authority and decisions are constantly undermined; even though clubs/counties are sometimes barefaced chancing their arms.
Even more scrutiny now with videos and social media.
And they get dogs abuse from many supporters.

Is it really any wonder there isn't much of a talent pool?

Just one of many issues the GAA fails to address head on.

Whether it's worse in Antrim, I don't know.  Wouldn't be too familiar with other counties.

[Spike]

MR2, if you are allowed to comment, whats your take on these new rules being brought in?
No different or simple enough for a referee to officiate?

[Milltown Row2]

MR2, if you are allowed to comment, whats your take on these new rules being brought in?
No different or simple enough for a referee to officiate?

I am, and on the other thread for rules (which I've posted) I've been opposed to most, ref's are under enough pressure to get most things right without having to worry how many players are on which side of the pitch, did they shoot from this line or before it, there's so many things to take on board.

Coaches will develop their game to get the most from it and people will complain and 'puke' football

We won a final in Rasharkin 1990, 5-4 I think, not a concern brought up

[Saffron_sam20]

MR2, if you are allowed to comment, whats your take on these new rules being brought in?
No different or simple enough for a referee to officiate?

I am, and on the other thread for rules (which I've posted) I've been opposed to most, ref's are under enough pressure to get most things right without having to worry how many players are on which side of the pitch, did they shoot from this line or before it, there's so many things to take on board.

Coaches will develop their game to get the most from it and people will complain and 'puke' football

We won a final in Rasharkin 1990, 5-4 I think, not a concern brought up

This is the nail on head, coaches who want to be negative will be, it's a culture change we need not a rules one.

I wouldn't blame any referee for hanging up the whistle, with the new rules coming in and the problems they'll cause along with spectators who don't understand them giving dogs abuse I doubt it be worth it

[paddyjohn]

Since when has our PRO become the Cargin PRO? The love in with the Toome lads is getting a bit cringeworthy