Latest news with #AllianzFootballLeagueDivisionThree
BBC News
23-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
McEntee happy after Saffrons ease past Leitrim
Antrim manager Andy McEntee cut a much happier figure on Saturday afternoon than six days previously as he watched his team get back to winning ways in Allianz Football League Division Three with their 14-point win over goals from Marc Jordan, Niall Burns, Dominic McEnhill and Fionn Nagle had Antrim in total control by the midway point and they were able to manage the game out in the second a pair of defeats on the road, including last week's 16-point reverse away to Offaly in Tullamore when they finished with 13 men, bouncing back was the objective on Saturday and they accomplished that mission."But for eight wides in the first half, we could have been further ahead although it was probably over as a contest [at half-time]. It's tough for Leitrim as they are struggling without a lot of key men, but for us it was just important to get the win," said McEntee."We certainly seemed to have a lot more energy about us than last weekend, but relief is the most overwhelming feeling at the moment so it's nice to win."Corrigan Park has been a happy venue for Antrim in the league following their wins over Clare and Leitrim which is another reason they are adamant that the Ulster SFC quarter-final against Armagh will take place there on 12 a meeting with the Ulster Council's competitions control committee on Tuesday, Antrim nominated the west Belfast ground as their home venue for the clash with the All-Ireland champions, in keeping with the stance taken by the squad to resist any attempt to take home advantage from McEntee insists April is a long way away and a trip to Laois next weekend is all that is occupying his thoughts."If you were looking at it last weekend, you wouldn't have said that [it galvanised us]," he said of their stance."The truth of the matter is that it's our job to play and the players have made their stance clear. Nothing has changed, so we don't want it to become a distraction. Our job is to play and all we are concerned about is Portlaoise next week."
BBC News
27-01-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
McBride hails 'great win' as Antrim beat Clare in opener
Antrim forward Patrick McBride says hard work was the key to beating Clare 1-9 to 1-6 in the Allianz Football League Division Three opener at a wet and windy Corrigan Park on Hand netted as Antrim led 1-7 to 1-1 at the break after Fionn Nagle's goal for the reduced the gap but scores from McBride and Conor Stewart helped Antrim secure the win. "It's a great win - we've had a few tough pre-season matches but when you get a win like that it's all worth it," said McBride."Whoever worked the hardest was going to win that match, it was nothing to do with talent. "Whatever team did the things that didn't require talent was going to win and we did it."McBride benefited from the new rules when he scored a free after Clare were punished for only having two players in the opposing half when at least three are required."It's harsh but you have to adjust - [it's about} whoever adjusts quicker. If they make a mistake you have to punish it but you have to be constantly aware of it."Even bringing the keeper up - if your not tuned in it's an easy score for the other team."I'm enjoying it - I love the quick transition, I love the tap-and-go rule. Everything feels quicker."
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
McBride hails 'great win' as Antrim beat Clare in opener
Antrim forward Patrick McBride says hard work was the key to beating Clare 1-9 to 1-6 in the Allianz Football League Division Three opener at a wet and windy Corrigan Park on Sunday. Conor Hand netted as Antrim led 1-7 to 1-1 at the break after Fionn Nagle's goal for the visitors. Clare reduced the gap but scores from McBride and Conor Stewart helped Antrim secure the win. "It's a great win - we've had a few tough pre-season matches but when you get a win like that it's all worth it," said McBride. "Whoever worked the hardest was going to win that match, it was nothing to do with talent. "Whatever team did the things that didn't require talent was going to win and we did it." McBride benefited from the new rules when he scored a free after Clare were punished for only having two players in the opposing half when at least three are required. "It's harsh but you have to adjust - [it's about} whoever adjusts quicker. If they make a mistake you have to punish it but you have to be constantly aware of it. "Even bringing the keeper up - if your not tuned in it's an easy score for the other team. "I'm enjoying it - I love the quick transition, I love the tap-and-go rule. Everything feels quicker."
