Both teams came away from the drawn encounter at Croke Park knowing full well that they wasted an opportunity to win the title – but also could have ended up as losers.
That suggests that there is no big psychological advantage going into the replay at the Athletic Grounds although perhaps Antrim will maybe feel they have a greater scope for an improved performance after missing so many chances – including several goal opportunities – at headquarters.
Antrim skipper Cathal Carey admits that improving the “conversion rate” was the main takeaway from the drawn game.
“We didn’t kick as many goals and points as we would have liked compared to how many chances we got. We were creating those chances but just didn’t finish them,” added the Saffrons captain.
After Fermanagh had trailed 1-7 to 0-7 at half time, the controversial awarding of a penalty which was converted by Eimear Smyth helped the Erne women lead by one late on before Orlaith Prenter’s sixth point of the day ensured the replay.
Prenter’s 0-6 haul still left her as only the joint second highest scorer with Blaithin Bogue hitting seven Fermanagh points and Smyth notching 1-3 for the Erne County.
While Antrim manager Emma Kelly afterwards bemoaned video technology not being in use to adjudicate on the decision when it was clear the foul was outside the square, Carey says the Saffrons quickly moved on from the controversy.