Monaghan minors open with win over Antrim

Ulster MFC round 1

Monaghan 3-14

Antrim 1-10

Monaghan began the Ulster MFC with a win after recovering from a slow start against Antrim in Inniskeen on Saturday.

In a game that had been delayed by 45 minutes after Antrim’s team bus got delayed en route to Inniskeen, it took a purple patch in the last few minutes of the first half to get Ulster MFL winners Monaghan going.

Antrim had the better of the opening quarter, with a two-point free by Tom Convery helping them lead by 0-6 to 0-2. Monaghan still trailed by four on 27 minutes, but a two-pointer from Cillian McKenna sparked a strong finish to the first half, which saw the hosts reel off 1-5, including a goal from Adam Borsje, to move in front at 1-7 to 0-6.

A brilliant solo goal by Malachy Treanor extended their advantage after the restart and although Antrim got one back through Joey Griffin, Mickey Doogan-Burke scrambled home a third major for Monaghan, who advance to Round 2A.