It was another County versus County affair in this year’s Milk Cup, as Antrim and Londonderry faced off at Anderson Park, Coleraine. The local derby nature of the game raised the stakes, as both teams looked to get one over their opposite County counterparts.
Londonderry looked impressive in the first half, with fullback Coalan Coyle doing well to thwart Antrim attacks down the right wing. Both sides had chances to make the breakthrough, with Antrim’s Ryan Strain being denied when he was through on gaol, and Coalan Boydmunce hitting the post from a dangerous freekick, whilst Londonderry strikers, Stephen McColgan and Aaron McGurk threatened the Antrim defence. The first half was, as expected, physical, with both sides making their presence felt, typical for any derby match on football. But, with neither side finding a breakthrough, the half ended goalless.
Antrim started brighter the Londonderry in the second half, as they pushed to find the breakthrough, with Antrim’s Ethan Galbraith and Joseph McMullan narrowly missing with well hit volleys. Londonderry also had a chance to score as Stephen McColgan saw a well struck long range shot go just over the bar. Possession exchanges became more frequent, as both sides attempted to get the goal they so badly desired, but it wasn’t to be. Today’s match was too close to call, as it ended in a stalemate, but both Counties will be thinking that they should’ve won today.
Nathan Thompson
Twitter: @theNatthompso14