Antrim forced to dig deep

ANTRIM fielded close to a second-string side against surprise packets Armagh in yesterday’s Ulster SHC final at Casement Park, but the management cast more than a few anxious looks towards the subs’ bench in the closing stages.

Armagh were contesting their first Ulster final in 65 years and were expected to be overrun by their more illustrious neighbours, despite the Saffron turnover in personnel since their last outing.

Paul Shiels and Darren Hamill were introduced in the final quarter to shore up the Antrim midfield as Armagh proved dogged opponents, punching well above their Christy Ring Cup and Division 3B status.