Crunch game for the Saffrons

By Michael McMullan

AFTER two defeats on the bounce, Antrim face Saturday’s visit of Leitrim knowing they’ll need a change in fortunes to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle.

Worse still, they’ll have to do without midfield duo Conor Hand and Conor Stewart who were shown straight red cards in Sunday’s defeat to Offaly.

Their opponents, managed by Steven Poacher of this parish, have lost their opening three games and will also be eyeing the points in Corrigan Park.

Lifting the spirits after a defeat is always a challenge. Back-to-back defeats leave it tougher again.

It’s the loss of Stewart and Hand that could be the worst of all. It will force Andy McEntee into a selection dilemma.

Captain Dermot McAleese and Marc Jordan could be a likely midfield pairing but it robs Peter to pay Paul.

McAleese is a driving force from the half-back region with Jordan another important leader in the Antrim side. They were also without Kavan Keenan last weekend.

McEntee has started 18 players over the three games in total so it will be a stretched squad this weekend.

It could be another test this weekend for James McDonnell and James McAuley in the Saffrons’ defence.

In attack, Ryan McQuillan, Patrick McBride and Dominic McEnhill have been tipping away.

It could open up the door for Ryan Murray to get a start after coming on in Tullamore.

All that said, strip it all back and Antrim must secure a victory with Kildare and Sligo yet to come into the equation later in the campaign.

They’ve the advantage of home soil and the familiarity that goes with that.