Antrim manager Mark Doran acknowledged the significant gap in performance levels after his team lost to Derry by 13 points in the Ulster Championship quarter-final. Derry's superior speed and control were evident throughout the match.
The Tailteann Cup is now top priority for Antrim manager Mark Doran [Getty Images]
Antrim manager Mark Doran accepted the "levels" between his side and Derry told as the Oak Leafs powered to a 13-point win in Saturday's Ulster Championship quarter-final.
Two divisions separate the counties in the league and this was more than evident with Derry just quicker, sharper and able to dictate terms as they move into the last four.
Rank outsiders coming into Celtic Park, Antrim put up a credible performance for the most part, but also gave up some cheap scores including an under-hit pass which led to Lachlan Murray's goal, while also punished for 4v3 breaches.
They needed everything to go right to upset the odds and that wasn't the case according to the Antrim boss.
"After 20, 25 minutes, we were really happy," Doran told BBC Sport NI after the game.
"We've done serious work on our own kick-outs and our press, and probably didn't do that in the second half, but the first half, we felt everything we were working on was coming off.
"The disappointing thing is they scored 1-11 [in the first half] and 1-5 from turnovers.
"We did a lot right and going in at half-time you're trying really positive, but coming here we knew we needed to be perfect and giving away 1-5 was the biggest disappointment."
While disappointed their wait for a victory in the Ulster Championship will roll into a 13th year, Antrim will now set their sights on the Tailteann Cup.
Semi-finalists in 2023 and 2024, a return to this stage of the secondary All-Ireland competition is an ambition but Doran accepts that will not be straightforward.
"How do we close the gap? Head down and make sure we have a good end to the season which is trying to get to Croke Park, so we'll put our heads down and go for everything.
"Those boys live in the real world and knew they weren't going to win the Ulster title, but there is a bit of belief as they had a good run [in the Tailteann Cup] two years ago and they have a good chance.
"Those boys will hurt for a few days, but they will come back and go after the Tailteann Cup although a lot will come down to the draw as there will be some big teams on there."
Derry defeated Antrim by 13 points in the Ulster Championship quarter-final.
Mark Doran highlighted the performance gap, noting that Derry was quicker and more effective in dictating the game.
Following the loss, Antrim's top priority is now the Tailteann Cup.
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