Super sub Freeman aids sinking of Saffrons

IN SWELTERING conditions at St Tiernach’s Park in Clones, Monaghan produced a late rally to edge out Antrim in their Ulster SFC quarter-final clash, winning 1-12 to 1-9.

This defeat will be sorely felt by manager Liam Bradley and his players, as they looked at one stage as if they were going to kick open the door to a history-making result.

But a Tommy Freeman-inspired Monaghan rallied to save themselves in the nick of time and now look forward to an Ulster semi-final against the winners of next weekend’s Fermanagh v Down showdown.

Karl O’Connell struck Monaghan's goal after only 27 seconds and it helped them lead 1-4 to 0-5 at half-time.

However, Antrim hit back after half-time and James Loughrey's goal helped the Saffrons take a three-point lead.

But Monaghan outscored the Saffrons 0-7 to 0-1 in the final 20 minutes with sub Freeman contributing two points.