Second half goals power Antrim to Tailteann Cup victory over Leitirm

Antrim got their Tailteann Cup campaign off to the best possible start on Sunday as they hit three second half goals to power past Leitrim at Corrigan Park.

Man-of-the-match Adam Loughran netted goals either side of one from Aghagallon's Ruairi McCann after the visitors had twice found majors to keep them in contention.

But the dam burst as Antrim powered home and will be extremely happy with their afternoon's work to bag the points.

Leitrim couldn't have asked for a better start as just four minutes in, late replacement Barry McNulty rose to meet Keith Beirne's dropping shot to palm home.

Adam Loughran hit back with a point for Antrim but it could have been better only for Marc Jordan's shot at goal to be saved by Nevin O'Donnell.

Pearce Dolan replied for Andy Moran's charges, but Antrim again went close to goal when a teasing ball in from Loughran saw Aghagallon's Ruairi McCann get a touch but the ball hopped over.

Creggan's Ruairi McCann, Conor Stewart and Michael Byrne (45) kept Antrim momentum going but Byrne was called into action to deny Beirne at close range and the Rossa clubman would make further vital stops later in the half from McNulty and then Darragh Rooney at point-blank range.

Leitrim were looking a threat when they got on the attack as they were able to carve open the Antrim defence and always seemed to reply to Antrim points for a while through Mark Plunkett and a brace from Rooney as Dominic McEnhill was keeping the board ticking at the other end from frees.

Antrim had another big goal chance when Aghagallon's McCann got to a long ball but his low shot was stopped right on the line by O'Donnell in the nick of time.

Despite Antrim getting on the front foot more, there was little to choose between the teams and