Antrim head south in search of first league points

By Michael McMullan

ANTRIM hurlers head towards their third fence of the Division 1B campaign against Kildare on Sunday in Newbridge.

It could’ve been a totally different week. They could’ve had two points in the bag already.

The Saffrons had victory pulled from their hands on the opening day with Mark Fanning’s stoppage time goal in a controversial conclusion in Wexford.

A goal from Conor Johnston and the accuracy of Seaan Elliott had them in a winning position on a wet evening.

Manager Davy Fitzgerald made two changes for the visit of Clare last weekend in Cushendall.

Stephen Rooney came in with the unavailability of Scott Walsh with Cormac McFadden in between the posts, ahead of Domhnall Nugent.

McFadden made two fine saves to put his hand up for a regular run in the number one jersey.

There was a welcome return for Keelan Molloy from injury and the Dunloy man tagged on two points against the Banner.

James McLaughlin and Jack McCloskey have also been coming on off the bench.

Speaking ahead of last weekend, coach Arron Graffin wanted intensity and they got it for spells in the game and a tally of 1-19 is heading towards the magic 30-point target that wins most games.

In Paddy Burke and Joe Maskey, they have a duo to build their defence around.

Kildare were promoted from Division Two alongside league champions’ Down last season.

After having a bye in round one, Kildare registered just 0-10 in defeat to Dublin last weekend, with Jack Sheridan at the forefront of their attacking game.

It was Kildare’s first year above Division Two in 46 years and two goals from Ronan Hayes did the trick for the Dubs.

When the sides met in 2018, the stakes were high and Molloy’s accuracy ensured Antrim retained their Joe McDonagh status.

Selector Graffin was in the defence with Paddy Burke, with Eoin O’Neill and James McNaughton also involved.

The Ulster side will go into this weekend’s game as hot favourites. It’s a matter of merging their intensity and getting ball to their attack.

With Molloy, Conal Cunning and Elliott offering a threat inside, they’ve the tools to get the job done.

With two home games to follow, if Antrim can get a win on the road this weekend, it could kickstart their season with the Joe McDonagh Cup on the horizon.