|
Exiles facing a tough challenge in Antrim trip
 By
David Thorpe
London’s Tommy Murphy Cup challenge begins with a difficult clash
away to Antrim on Saturday.
Noel Dunning’s men got a taste of what Antrim are capable of when
they faced the Saffrons in a challenge game two months ago. The Exiles
led by a point at half-time before a strong second-half display saw Antrim
pull clear to win by six points.
London boss Noel Dunning believes that his players will not be over awed
by Antrim.
He said: “They are a good team with some young, fast forwards, particularly
Kevin Niblock at full-forward.”
“They have a new manager who has got the players giving their all
for the jersey so they will be taking this match seriously.”
The Ulstermen have been boosted by the return of former captain Sean Kelly
to the panel.
Kelly, who was until recently a teacher in Southampton, will add some
valuable experience to an Antrim team powered by the bulk of their excellent
minor team from last year.
Best of their attackers is Conor McGourty, a 19-year-old St. Galls player,
who is likely to play at wing-forward while Justin Crozier at centre-back
is their defensive lynchpin. Antrim lost by six points to Derry in the
Ulster Championship and won only one game against Tipperary in
the National League.
Having previously stated that London would not be training for the Murphy
Cup Noel Dunning now says that his players train with their clubs on Tuesday
and Thursday nights while meeting with the county team on Wednesdays.
The Exiles will be without star defender Martin Kennedy, an absence manager
Noel Dunning describes as “massive”.
He said: “I stand by what I said that the Murphy Cup is a Mickey
Mouse competition. It is hardly worth winning. The focus from the players
is about the same as it would be in the National League but far below
what it would be for the Championship.”
“A game in Croke Park would be a great reward for the players for all of
their efforts, so we will be trying our best in this competition.”
|
