Laois win puts Antrim on edge of relegation

Antrim 2-11 Laois 1-24

Laois hurlers came from behind to earn their first win of the second phase of the Allianz NHL Division One Group 2, as Ulster champions Antrim look set for Division 2 next season as they collapsed 1-24 to 2-11 to the visitors at Casement Patk this afternoon.

Antrim built up a five-point lead during the first half, with forwards Liam Watson and Brian McFall looking dangerous.

But despite scoring two second half goals through Jim Connolly and Watson, they fell to a gallant charge from the midlanders, which including a run of six successive points towards the tail end of the second period.

Liam Richmond and McFall both pointed twice, with Watson hitting 0-03 (2f) as the Saffrons moved into a 0-07 to 0-02 lead after 18 minutes.

The sudden concession of a goal to Laois forward Tommy Fitzgerald with nine minutes remaining in the half rocked the home side, and they ended up 0-07 to 1-05 down at the break, with Laois hitting points through Damien Culleton (0-02), Paul Cuddy and the very effective James Young (0-02).

Laois mustered seven of the next eight scores after the restart to pile the pressure on the Ulster men, with Canice Coonan, David Cuddy, Young and Liam Tynan amongst the scorers.

Antrim carved up enough space for both Connolly (59 minutes) and Watson (66) to goal past Laois net minder Kevin Galvin, but closing points from Young and Paul Cuddy saw out the 10-point win for the visitors.

With Dinny Cahill’s side due to finish their league campaign away to Kilkenny next Sunday, they seem certain for a divisional drop.