Antrim manager Liam Bradley has targeted promotion into Division Two of the Allianz National League after his team opened their campaign with a single point victory over Sligo at Casement Park on Sunday.
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Antrim 1-12 Sligo 0-14
The Saffrons, who were runners up to the Yeats County in last year's Division Four final, trailed by three points early on but fought their way back to lead 1-8 to 0-7 at half time.
But Sligo clawed their way back to draw level with nine minutes of the game remaining.
However last season's captain Paddy Cunningham clinched victory with two late scores, one from a free and one from play.
"The lads showed great character out there today and we will get even better when the St. Gall's players come back after their All Ireland club final," said Bradley.
"It was never comfortable though and if I had a criticism it was that we conceded a few too many soft frees.
"But our aim now is to win every match we play from here on in in Division Three starting with our next game against Cavan.
"We want to be playing against the Tyrones and Derrys of this world on a weekly basis.
"Obviously we play Tyrone in the Ulster Championship but we are concentrating on the League for the time being."
After Sligo had scored three unanswered points in the first six minutes Antrim replied with scores from Deaghlan O'Hagan, Cunningham (2) and Michael Magill.
The home side led 0-7 to 0-5 when they were awarded a penalty after team captain Tony Scullion was hauled down in the square.
Cunningham made no mistake from 11 yards out sending the Sligo goalkeeper the wrong way.
Ciaran Close tagged on a point but Sligo scored the last two of the first half through Johnny Davey and Adrian Marren to give themselves some hope.
The visitors then hit three scores without reply at the start of the second half to reduce the deficit to the minimum.
Antrim hadn't scored for 17 minutes on either side of the break when a Michael McCann free was quickly followed by a point from sub Gerard O'Boyle.
But Sligo again hit back to draw level when Marren sent over a free in the 61st minute.
However the impressive Cunningham sealed victory with a late free and an exquisite point from play before Marren's late consolation effort for Sligo.
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