Superb Antrim sweep aside Longford

Antrim went top of Allianz League Division 3 with a comprehensive 1-19 to 0-12 victory over a poor Longford side at Corrigan Park on Saturday – a result that leaves the Saffrons right in the mix for promotion while Longford are back in relegation trouble.

The Saffrons made the perfect start to the game when they were awarded a penalty just seconds in after Odhrán Eastwood was hauled down. Tomas McCann made no mistake with the spot-kick.

McCann then added a point and Antrim kicked over three more points to extend the lead to seven in the 12th minute.

Longford's first score came in the 13th minute. Jack Duggan was fouled and Darren Gallagher kicked over the resulting free. Gallagher was Longford’s only scorer in the first half, kicking over two more frees.

Antrim half-back Marc Jordan got up to score a good point in the 18th minute while Conor Murray scored the best point of the half in the 23rd minute. Antrim drove at Longford and the Midlanders couldn’t cope with it.

Longford had a few chances to add to their tally but failed to take them. Ruairí McCann kicked over a well-struck '45’ in the 34th minute, Ryan Murray added a free while Gallagher’s free just before the break saw Antrim lead 1-11 to 0-03.

Sub Oran Kenny got Longford’s first point for play in the 36th minute. Antrim replied through Ryan Murray and Tomas McCann. Jack Duggan hit over a neat point for Longford in the 44th minute.

Longford tried to stay with Antrim but Enda McGinley’s side were excellent with Jordan and Conor Murray superb throughout. Longford cut the lead to 10 points in the 58th minute when sub Mark Hughes got on the scoresheet, but like before Antrim replied with scores of their own.

Substitute Pat Shivers came on and kicked over two neat points while