Michael Byrne: So difficult in the first half as Armagh gobbled up most of his kick-outs. Made two brilliant first-half saves, nabbed two points, pressed as much as he could. 7
Eoghan McCabe: Antrim sorely missed the St Gall’s man marker in the first half of the National League. Athletic and disciplined throughout even when Armagh were coming through in waves in the last quarter. 6.5
Eunan Walsh: Andy McEntee deserves credit for turning the Aghagallon attacker into a fine, front-footed full-back. Walsh had a really good game, but the new rules give defenders no chance. 6.5
Kavan Keenan: A rough-house, don’t-care-who-you-are kind of defender. Just what Antrim need. A slightly odd choice to be on penalties as Blaine Hughes saved his first half effort. Solid display. 6.5
James McAuley: Recalled to the Antrim set-up this season, the St Enda’s clubman can be proud of his display. He got room to go forward which suits McAuley’s skillset. 6.5
Marc Jordan: Hit a cracking point, broke a couple of defensive lines but had to conserve his energy having missed a chunk of the League campaign coming into this clash. 6
Dermot McAleese: The Antrim captain emptied the tank but such a thankless task trying to stop so many runners from deep. Didn’t retreat and was punished by a two-pointer. 6.5
Conor Hand: A mixed day. Even when he could have been more efficient in possession he always kept showing for Byrne’s kick-outs. Not his best day but has been good this season. 5.5
Conor Stewart: Couldn’t stem the tide in the first half as Armagh owned the middle sector. His mis-hit shot led to Antrim’s first-half penalty. Didn’t appear for the second half. 5
STAR MAN: Patrick McBride: On home soil, the St John’s man was sensational. He hit three stupendous two-pointers to give Antrim hope and converted another effort from a ridiculous angle. Backs himself every time when in shooting range. He may have finished on the losing side but Patrick McBride was the best player on the field, not just for his shooting but his appetite to do the hard yards when Antrim were out of position. Class. 9
Patrick Finnegan: A late change for Niall Burns, the St Brigid’s man got through a heap of work, economical in possession and justified his inclusion. 6
Ronan Boyle: The St Brigid’s man was named in the half-forward line even though he’s a defender. Got in a lot of hits and good under pressure. 6
Ryan McQuillan: The Con Magees man has shown a couple of times now that he enjoys the big occasion. Fearless, confident attacker with 1-5 against his name at the end. 7.5
Ruairi McCann: The two-pointers have somewhat nullified dropping balls into goal-hungry target men like McCann. Antrim could have used him a bit more, never stopped showing for the ball and won the penalty. 6
Dominic McEnhill: Hit a brilliant two-pointer under pressure but Armagh didn’t foul much in the scoring zone, so the Rossa man didn’t benefit from placed balls. One unfortunate fumble led to Armagh’s 44th minute goal. 6
Subs:
Eunan Quinn: Improved Antrim around the middle and hit a great point. 6
Ryan Murray: Direct running but unlucky with a couple of half chances. 6
Niall Burns: Made one lovely catch. Did well for the time he was on the field. 5
John Morgan: Still cutting his teeth at this level but has the athleticism to become a regular. 5
Fionn Nagle: Thankless task coming in for the last quarter when Antrim were already a busted flush. 5