Antrim take their scores well

Ulster Hurling Quarter-finals: Antrim learned little from yesterday's Ulster Championship action at Casement Park, demolition of London being poor preparation for next Sunday's semi-final against Down, also in Belfast.

The only real nugget of information that manager Dinny Cahill and his backroom staff could glean from this action was that Antrim can score goals as well as points - at least when they get room to shoot and when there is no pressure on.

Of course, nobody expected London to cause an upset but few expected a 43-point difference.

"It was a match we had to play and win and we did that," Cahill said.

"Next Sunday's semi-final will be a vastly different proposition. The positive thing from the match was that our lads took good scores, both points and goals, and scoring always gives players confidence.

"I wouldn't say that London shouldn't be included in the Ulster Championship. I believe they have as good a right as Antrim, Derry or Down to be included. They are keeping the game alive and keeping Irish culture going."

Antrim were superior in every department with Jim Connolly in superb midfield form. The defence was never tested and the forwards just sliced through the opposition at will.

Brian McFall, who was withdrawn in the closing quarter, finished with a personal tally of 3-6, Greg O'Kane helped himself to 2-6, Colm McGuickian rifled over seven points and man-of-the-match Paddy Richmond hit 1-3.

Every forward scored, with half-backs Michael Herron - he was making his senior championship debut - and Karl McKeegan also adding points.

London full-forward Michael O'Hara got 1-4 of the visitors' 1-5, the goal rocketed home from a 20-metre free puck. The only other London forward to impress was Keith Murphy, but like the rest of his team-mates, he was given few chances to shine.