Down Progress to Ulster Football Semi-Finals After Beating Antrim 0-13 to 0-9

Down Progress to Ulster Football Semi-Finals After Beating Antrim

Down secured their spot in the Ulster Football semi-finals after a hard-fought victory over Antrim with a scoreline of 0-13 to 0-9 at Pairc Esler. The game was filled with passion and intensity, with players squaring up before the start and even an Antrim backroom man being sent off for a strike after the half-time whistle.

Despite the niggly nature of the game, it was not one that will be remembered for its quality. Down took the lead 0-6 to 0-3 after playing against the wind in the first half, and Antrim struggled to close the gap throughout the game.

Daniel Guinness was a standout performer for Down, setting up a Miceal Rooney point in the first half and scoring two crucial points in the second half. Antrim did manage to stay within three points of Down with 11 minutes left in normal time, but Down ultimately sealed the victory.

The game saw some controversy with a late injury to Antrim full-back Eunan Walsh, who took an accidental knee to the head from a teammate. Despite Antrim’s late efforts to chase the game, Down held on for the win.

Down’s manager Conor Laverty will be looking for an improved performance in the semi-finals after a display that may not have impressed him. The team made some changes from their previous game, and it paid off with a hard-fought victory over Antrim.

Down will now face either Fermanagh or Armagh in the Ulster Football semi-finals, and they will be looking to build on this win and secure a spot in the final.