Niblock glad to be back

Antrim's Kevin Niblock

HAVING been forced to miss out on Antrim’s Ulster Championship clash with Monaghan due to study commitments, Kevin Niblock announced his return to the Saffron fold as an impact sub as he helped his side to victory over London in round one of the qualifiers. 

Now, with his PGCE successfully completed and his studies in Exeter wrapped up, the newly-qualified secondary level PE teacher has his sights firmly fixed on Galway this weekend. 

“I had too much on trying to get my studies finished up, and I just couldn’t get back for the Ulster Championship match with Monaghan. Then since June, things eased off a bit. I got back for one session here the week before the London match. 

“This week, I was straight off the boat on Saturday and had a session with the boys. I trained Monday and Wednesday night as well, so I should be in a much better position going into this match than I was for the London game.” 

Niblock made the trip from his base in Cornwall the day before the London clash at Ruislip, and roomed with Michael Magill on the Friday night, the Randalstown man having taking the boat across as opposed to flying with his team mates.  

It was to be a game in which the Saffrons struggled to find their groove, trailing for much of the 70 minutes before pulling away in the closing stages. Niblock was sprung from the bench, and it was his 62nd minute goal which helped his side to a two-point win.