Football

MONAGHAN

Rory Beggan: Will be relieved that Kevin Niblock went for a point when a goal was there for the taking. With Owen Lennon dominant at midfield, he kept most his kick-outs long and uncomplicated. 6.5

Kieran Duffy: Picked up Patrick McBride and spent most of the game around midfield. Both players largely cancelled each other out. 6

Colin Walshe (star man): In a game that was devoid of one spectacular performance, it's impossible to fault the display by Walshe.

Paddy Cunningham came into this match as Antrim's top scorer from play and Walshe bossed their contest. He also got involved in the play. His handling, movement and distribution were all top drawer. 7.5

Fintan Kelly: Started strongly on Michael Pollock. In their first two exchanges, he dispossessed the Antrim man on both occasions. But Pollock improved as the game wore on. He won a fair amount of possession and acted a link man. 5.5

Vinny Corey: Antrim's ultra-defensive system afforded Monaghan the luxury of having two sweepers. Corey was one of them. Bombing up the field when his team needed an overlap, he won two scoreable frees. 6.5

Noel McAdam: Caught out of position when Kevin Niblock careered through the defence. After his initial booking, the head high challenge that led to his red card was reckless. 5.5

Dessie Mone: Spent most of the game playing as a sweeper. Still managed to register a point. Guilty of two wides. Picked up Michael Herron after Monaghan were reduced to 14-men and did a fine job. 6.5

Owen Lennon: A contender for man-of-the-match. Was the best ball winner on the pitch and won five clean kick-outs. However, Sean McVeigh who kicked two points from play. 7

Darren Hughes: Kicked an excellent point, but his distribution and shot selection were hit and miss. 6.5

Paul Finlay: Hit the post in the opening minutes and that set the tone. Off target with three frees, another shot from play failed to make the distance. Provided the pass for Mone's point. 6

Dick Clerkin: Kept a close watch on Sean Kelly but didn't add any menace to Monaghan's attack. Was subbed when Malachy O'Rourke opted for a more adventurous approach. 6.5

Owen Duffy: Scored an excellent point in the first half. Not very prominent. Replaced by Tommy Freeman. 5.5

Christopher McGuinness: Was out of the game for stretches but his head never dropped. Scored two points. His second score was very important as it followed McAdam's red card. 7

Kieran Hughes: Struggled to escape Ricky Johnson. Hughes scored heavily in the League but the Creggan man held him scoreless. Set up Tommy Freeman's point and provided the lay off for McManus's first score. 6.5

Conor McManus: Monaghan's top scorer failed to shine. Kept on a tight rein by Saffron captain Kevin O'Boyle. Skied one shot into the heavens and kicked two wides. 6.5

Substitutes Stephen Gollogly: Brought on to provide more impetus to Monaghan's attack, Gollogly struggled to get involved. 5.5 Drew Wylie: Very impressive. Showed great composure when judging a ball that bounced over the head of Michael Pollock. Strong in defence, there was conviction about everything he did. 7 Tommy Freeman: Freeman's predatory skills remain very much intact. Took a simple pass on the edge of the square from Kieran Hughes and scored from close range. 6 Jack McCarron: Not on long enough to be rated Padraig Donagh: Not on long enough to be rated