Antrim need to stay grounded in promotion mission: Lynch
ANTRIM skipper Declan Lynch is ensuring that his players’ feet remain firmly planted on the ground as they gear up for the final lap of what they hope will prove a rewarding journey into Division Three of the Allianz Football League.
Having drawn with Carlow and beaten Division Four leaders Limerick in emphatic manner in their last two games, confidence within the Saffrons’ camp has mushroomed ahead of their concluding fixtures against Wicklow and Waterford.
Wicklow, who are also in the hunt for promotion, are first up in Aughrim on Sunday week with Waterford coming to Antrim the following weekend.
In the recent past, Antrim have been left to nurse their wounded pride after missing out on promotion more than once but this time round there is the distinct feeling that they can finally come good.
Lynch, whose dynamic leadership has had much to do with his team’s progress, believes they are capable of moving out of the bottom division but only if they maintain their concentration and replicate the form they showed against Limerick in particular.
“I think we have the capacity to go the distance but we will be taking nothing for granted,” warned Lynch. “It’s vital that we keep our feet on the ground, apply ourselves strongly and give it everything in these last two matches.”
Antrim manager Lenny Harbinson always felt that the games against Carlow and Limerick could define the side.
“The fact that we have got three points out of a possible four from these games is great but we must not assume that this guarantees us anything,” he pointed out.
“There is still a lot of football to be played before anything is decided. You don’t know what might happen when the pressure is stepped up even more.”
Harbinson’s selection options have been enhanced of late to the extent that Paddy Cunningham came off the bench against Limerick and scored three points while a number of other players are in the frame for starting places for the next two games.