Favourites Antrim reached the Ulster provincial decider thanks to a 2-14 to 0-12 victory over Derry at Casement Park. While the Ulster champions' lead was never really in doubt, Derry were never fully out of the competition.
However, a goal from Paddy Richmond 18 minutes into the first half made sure that it was the men in yellow that held the advantage. Derry were trailing by only two points at the time, but they stayed in the contest and at the break Antrim led by only four points, 1-8 to 0-7.
However, ten minutes into the second half, Antrim got a second goal that effectively assured them of victory. This time it was Jim Connolly that shook the netting. Connolly caught a long ball from Ciaran Herron who blasted into the net to open an eight-point lead.
Derry continued to press for a break-through and while Geoffrey McGonagle played a leading role, even he couldn't turn the tables and the Saffrons retained their eight-point advantage at the final whistle.
Scorers - Antrim: J Connolly 1-02, B McFall 0-05, P Richmond 1-00, L Watson 0-03, M Herron 0-01, C Herron 0-01, L Richmond 0-01, C McGuckian 0-01. Derry: Gregory Biggs 0-04, G McGonigle 0-04, K Hinphey 0-02, P Doherty, Gary Biggs 0-01 each.
Antrim: D Quinn; M McCambridge, K Kelly, B Herron; J Campbell, K McKeegan, C Herron; J Connolly, M Scullion; L Richmond, C McGuickian, M Herron; L Watson, P Richmond, B McFall.
Subs: D Quinn for Watson (46 mins), J McIntosh for Scullion (52 mins)
Derry: K Stevenson; G Brunton, L Hinphey, M Conway; B Ward, C Brunton, P O'Kane; P Doherty, F Kelly; K Hinphey, Gregory Biggs, Gary Biggs; D McGrellis, P Hearty, G McGonigle.
Subs: B McGoldrick for McGrellis (44 mins), A Rafferty for Ward (temp, 53 mins), Ward for Rafferty (63 mins)
Click here for the game's statistics.
Filed by Aidan O'Doherty
