By David Mohan & Gerry McLaughlin
Antrim 0-28 Down 3-28
THREE second-half goals proved the difference as Down qualified for the final of the Conor McGurk Cup at the expense of Antrim at a freezing Dunsilly on Tuesday.
Antrim opened with the first three scores, with Down responding in kind and this set the tone for an open and entertaining first period with some good scores taken from both.
Rian McMullan and Paul Boyle were prominent for the Saffrons, while Pearse Og McCrickard led the way for Ronan Sheehan’s men in the first half.
Twice, Down moved two clear in the first half but Antrim responded on each occasion to draw level, rattling off five on the spin late in the half to ensure all six starting forwards were on the board.
Down’s Ciaran Milligan did have the final say of the half with his second of the evening, but it was Antrim leading 0-15 to 0-12 at the change of ends.
The Ardsmen came flying out of the traps in the second period and after McCrickard converted an early free, the first of the goals arrived as Tim Prenter steered the sliothar home off a break.
Down would lead by that goal when their second major arrived on 47 minutes with Prenter the provider for Chris Egan – who had missed a gilt-edged chance earlier – this time whipping home.
McMullan and Boyle continued to carry the fight for Antrim who got to within four at one point, but a third Down goal 12 minutes from time would put the cap on this one as a loose ball was sent to the net by Dáithí Sands.
McCrickard, Sands and McGrattan kept the board ticking over late on as Ronan Sheehan’s men deservedly reached Saturday’s final.
Antrim C McFadden; P Duffin, R McGarry, R McCormick; R McCloskey, C Boyd (0-1), D McMullan; S Rooney (0-1), E Trainor; P Boyle (0-6), S McAuley (0-1), N McKenna (0-3); N McGarel (0-1), R McMullan (0-13, 9 frees), A Bradley (0-1)
Subs C McGarry for A Bradley (HT), F McCurry (0-1) for S McAuley (HT), D Wilson for R McCormick (HT), C McKernan for R McCloskey (46), N O’Connor for E Trainor (46), S Walsh for D McMullan (60), M McGibbon for S Rooney (60)
Down S Keith; J McManus (0-1), T Murray, C Cassidy; M Fisher (0-2), C Teggart, B Trainor; L Savage, C Milligan (0-2); F Turpin (0-1), E Sands (0-2), P Og McCrickard (0-11, 6 frees, 1 65); T Prenter (1-2), C Egan (1-1), D Toner (0-1).
Subs A Furlong for C Cassidy (HT), P Smyth for S Keith (HT), N McFarland for M Fisher (HT), T McGrattan (0-2) for F Turpin (HT), D Mullan for C Milligan (HT), M McAreavey for J McManus (40), D Sands (1-2) for C Egan (48), J Duggan (0-1) for D Toner (48), J Murphy for B Trainor (65)
Referee Tarlach Conway (Derry)
