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For Cavan’s manager Mickey Graham, it was a case where the result was more important than the performance, as his team beat Antrim in the Ulster SFC quarterfinals.
The greater composure of Graham’s team in the second period saw them finally prevail 0-13 to 0-09 at Kingspan Breffni Park, but not before the Saffrons made life difficult for the hosts.
In subsequent remarks to RTÉ’s Saturday Sport, Graham wasn’t surprised that this was a game that had to be dug up.
“It was a typical Ulster game where Antrim came up with a game plan and made it very difficult for us,” Graham said.
“They frustrated us for long periods and it took us a while to understand.
“We got a couple of scores in vital moments and I’m delighted. It was all about today’s result rather than performance.”
Graham dismissed any comment that Cavan was anyway complacent before the game, but highlighted the hectic schedule, a schedule that saw no time to rest after the conclusion of the Allianz League.
“I don’t think there is any complacency as we have great respect for Antrim and we knew the threat it would pose,” he added.
“This is our fourth week of games, we’ve had Kildare, Roscommon, Monaghan and this game so it was tired bodies and some guys with punches. You could see it took its toll at various stages during the game.
“We knew there would be small margins on it. Antrim would be well drilled and that’s exactly what they were. But we were creating a lot of opportunities, it was a matter of converting those opportunities.”
“Failure sometimes gives heart to the rival and sometimes we played in their hands. We did not do so much in the second half.”
Next up for Cavan is a date with Fermanagh or Down next weekend in the provincial semi-final, with Graham, unsurprisingly, well aware of the main requirement. “We will have to try to renew the bodies for our fifth game in a row and hope that we do not have serious blows.”
Graham’s opposite number, Lenny Harbinson, was left to lament “one that got away.”
Also speaking to RTÉ Sport, the St Gall clubman highlighted the 15 minutes immediately after the break as crucial.
“There was a period where we left behind on 1-03 or 1-04. The victory of the game was in that period.
“If we had the goal (Patrick Gallagher opportunity), that would have generated enthusiasm and energy. It just wasn’t like that.
“The last third is where you need quality football. That’s not disrespectful to the guys we have, they made a massive change, but we just needed a little composure.”
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