Ulster U14 Football Development Squad Blitz

On a warm sunny day the Under 14s set off for their blitz day in Cloghan

Co.Monaghan where they would face Cavan and Armagh as two teams. The teams were laid out by the coaches who have worked with these young men from the start of the squad season. Both teams faced out first against Cavan playing on pitches beside each other at the same time. From the throw-in these young lads showed that they were going to be no push over and one by one they gained in confidence as they battled and played their opposition out of the game. Both teams showed Cavan that they are as good as any team within the island and that they were there to do a job and to play for Antrim with a fire in their bellies. Squad 1 ran out winners with a score-line of 2-12 to 2-5 Squad 2 ran out winners with a score-line of 3-6 to 1-4 In the next game against Armagh the teams had to settle for one half of football each to insure that they all received a game following the withdrawal of one of the Armagh teams. However this wasn’t to dissuade the lads as they started the game as they had finished the last game. Each one of them harried and tackled covering every blade of grass as they played Armagh almost out of the game. Only for a deflection of what was a superb save by the keeper in the last seconds of the half Armagh would have remained scoreless. Squad 1 ran out winners with a score-line of 2-5 to 1-0 The second half was no different when the boys from Squad 2 took to the field and they took the reins over from their team-mates with ease. Again they left Armagh wondering what was happening as they controlled the game from the throw-in and pushed forward at every opportunity. They were soon well out of sight before the referee called time and put Armagh out of their misery. Squad 2 ran out winners with a score-line of 4-6 to 1-2 These young lads showed everyone today that Antrim is a place where we should be proud of coming from and that we have a good a work ethic as anyone. Thanks to the parents and coaches from the various represented clubs who made the journey today to support the lads in their efforts.