Antrim 1-13 Carlow 2-9

The very vocal Carlow supporters in Casement Park had plenty of reason to get behind their team as Carlow battled all the way to the final whistle of this highly exciting Round 2 Qualifier game.

A good sized Carlow following really showed appreciation for the efforts of the players on the pitch and gave the team a great boost with their highly vocal support.

The first half was a little on the scrappy side, with many break downs in play caused by poor passing by both foot and hand with Carlow especially guilty of squandering possession.

Three consecutive Daniel St Ledger dead balls scores just before the break kept Carlow in the game - a 45 and two brilliant long range efforts.

Antrim failed to justify the strong favourites tag that they carried as they struggled to score in the first half absence of talismanic Paddy Cunningham and two bad misses from frees by the normally reliable Thomas McCann left them arrive at the dressing rooms doors a little unsure of themselves.

When Carlow goaled immediately on resumption, through a Daniel St Ledger tap in, to take the lead, a shock looked on the cards. However Antrim rallied principally because of the introduction of the brilliant Cunningham who looked a class or two above every other forward on the pitch.

The home side clawed their way back in front and built a five point lead to look home and dry - having two goals disallowed as well.

A little bit of showboating then almost backfired as Brendan Murphy fired in a spectacular goal the game was in the melting pot. Carlow were at this stage down to fourteen men as Ed Finnegan picked up a second yellow card. Carlow pressed and created numerous opportunities to get an equaliser but didn't have the wherewithal to grab one.

The difference between the sides was visible all through; Antrim attacked with purpose and method, Carlow attacked with plenty of effort but little guile. The movement of the Antrim forwards, the space they created contrasted with Carlow's static nature and lack of creativity. 

The Carlow team and supporters were rightly gutted at the final whistle - another chance having slipped from our grasp...

No one can fault the effort on the pitch - everyone gave their all and while it may sound like a cliche - they showed lots of potential. We have to untap it.

For Carlow Trevor Reilly, Benny Kavanagh, Paul Cashin, Shane Redmond Kieran Nolan, Darragh Foley, Brendan Murphy, Brian Murphy, Daniel St Ledger,Tom Walsh and Cormac Mullins were most impressive.

Team: Trevor O Reilly; Aidan Murphy, Conor Lawlor, Benny Kavanagh; Paul Cashin, Shane Redmond, Kieran Nolan; Brendan Murphy (1-0,1w), Darragh Foley (0-3, 2f); Eoghan Ruth, Pat Hickey (1w), Ed Finnegan; Brian Murphy (0-1, f), Willie Minchin, Daniel St Ledger 1-4, 1 45, 3f). Subs: Tom Walsh for Minchin, Cormac Mullins (1w) for Ruth, Paul McElligott for Murphy, John Murphy for Foley, Tony Bolger for Nolan.