Antrim 1-18 Leitrim 1-13
Antrim gained two valuable points with an impressive victory over a youthful Leitrim side still in learning mode in an entertaining encounter at Páirc Seán MhicDiarmada, Carrick -on-Shannon.
Although Leitrim started well with a fourth-minute goal by Alan McLoughlin, Antrim responded two minutes later with a goal of their own scored by Michael Pollock and went on to register three unanswered points to lead at the half way stage.
The visitors deservedly led 1-12 to 1-5 at the interval .The introduction of Ronan Kennedy on the resumption had an immediate effect resulting in a sequence of scores for Leitrim reducing the arrears to four points going into the final quarter.
However the Leitrim revival stalled and was halted by a brace of pointed frees from man-of-the-match McGourty and although the home side continued to press for scores, the Antrim defence led by Justin Crozier remained resolute as the Saffrons retained their comfortable lead for a deserved victory.
ANTRIM: C Kerr; C Burke, S McVeigh, D Lynch; J Laverty (0-1), J Crozier (0-1), T Scullion; M McCann, O Gallagher (0-1); C Murray (0-2), T McCann (0-1), P McBride (0-1); R Murray (0-2), M Pollock (1-1), CJ McGourty (0-8, six frees). Subs: D McAleese for T McCann(51mins), M Fitzpatrick for R Murray (62 mins), P McAleer for D Lynch (66 mins), B Hasson for O Gallagher (72 mins).
LEITRIM: C McCrann; B Prior, R Gallagher, N Woods; M McWeeney, G Reynolds, S McWeeney; J McGrail, P McGowan (0-1); D Sweeney (0-1), F Clancy, D Beck; K Conlon (0-5 frees), D Wrynn, A McLoughlin (1-2). Subs: R Kennedy (0-3) for D Wrynn (34 mins), T Mulvey for D Beck (49 mins), C Gilheaney for F Clancy (59 mins).
Referee: N McKenna(Monaghan).
