Antrim dig deep for a win After Extra Time v Carlow #ChristyRing
23rd April 2017
Antrim snatched a dramatic 3-20 to 2-22 extra-time victory over Carlow in the Christy Ring Cup opener at Dr Cullen Park.
Neil McManus hit 1-13 for the Saffrons as they fought back from seven down in the first half and four in arrears late in normal time to force extra-time. The saffrons went into the last ten minutes of extra time down 3 points.
Niall McKenna and Ciaran Clarke notched Antrim's goals as the scoreline was 2-16 to 2-16 at the end of normal time.
Carlow moved four up again before McManus' goal spurred Antrim again.
The Neil McManus goal brought the sides level with four minutes of extra-time remaining and while Carlow edged one ahead again, late points from McManus and a fantastic James McNaughton point secured Antrim's victory.
Denis Murphy hit 16 of Carlow's points with Martin Kavanagh notching both of the home team's goals.
Carlow led 1-6 to 0-2 after 18 minutes and remained six clear in first-half injury-time before McKenna's goal gave Antrim a huge boost.
The Barrowsiders extended their advantage to 1-10 to 1-5 after 39 minutes and remained 1-15 to 1-11 ahead with nine minutes of normal time left.
Ciaran Clarke's fine goal cut Carlow's lead to a point but the home team responded with three straight scores to lead by four with five minutes left.
However, three more McManus points and a Paul Shiels score enabled the Saffrons to bring the game into extra time. Antrim showed heart and spirit throughout the game and came out worth winners in a fiercely contested game.
Antrim now face Down on Saturday 29th April in the Round 2 game.
The saffron chants in the final few minutes played their part in Dr Cullen Park. Thanks to all who travelled to the game. Lets support our teams.
