It is though a challenge which this Fermanagh side should be looking forward to and a semi final spot is definitely not beyond them, although it is going to take a good performance if they are to succeed.

    Down go into the game with the advantage of having played a competitive match already in the competition.

    In the preliminary round they saw off the challenge of a fancied Monaghan side with goals at crucial times proving decisive. Eoin McCartan, brother of James, knocked home the first goal and had a good game, but a red card means that he will be missing for Saturday’s game which is a big loss for Down as he is one of their main scoring threats.

    Fermanagh will be aware that if they are to win then they must not concede goal opportunities to their opponents.

    With seven of manager John O’Neill’s squad involved in the senior squad, preparations have not went completely to plan for Fermanagh, but the experience these players have picked up during the National League could prove vital for Fermanagh.

    When O’Neill has been able to call on his entire group of player they have shown that they have the ability to compete and have produced good victories in challenge games over both Tyrone and Armagh, although the lack of a Hastings Cup this year has meant that Fermanagh’s first competitive game will be the Down game.

    Fermanagh were disappointed to have been knocked out at the first round stage last year against Monaghan. They found themselves nine points down at the break only to turn the game around in the second half and actually move into the lead before Monaghan hit back with two late points to snatch the victory.

    A number of players from last year are back again this year and they will be keen to not be on the losing side again.

    One of the key factors of the game will be how each defence copes with their opposition forward lines.

    Both forward lines are capable of doing a lot of damage with the Down inside forwards very pacy.

    It will be important that the Fermanagh defence does not give this Down attack too much space because, as they proved against Monaghan, the likes of Doran, Carr and King are well capable of punishing sides.

    Fermanagh will be looking for big performances in defence from Hugh Brady, Niall Bogue and Damian Kelly to keep the Down forward line in check.

    Fermanagh also have plenty of talent in their attack and if the forward line can take the opportunities that come their way then they have a great chance.

    Ryan Keenan will be expected to provide a scoring threat and should be ably assisted by Ciaran O’Reilly and Kevin Gallagher who has been showing well.

    Eamon Maguire’s strong running and the powerful Shaun Doherty will also be important if Fermanagh are to come out on top. The key battle of the game though is likely to come at midfield and who can get enough possession to feed their forward lines. James Sherry will have to play a captain’s role if Fermanagh are to progress as he and partner Stephen Burns try to stop the influence of Dan Gordon and Rodgers.

    Gordon is a fine footballer who is also capable of playing at full forward where he was successful for the senior side last year. Sherry though has also picked up plenty of experience over the past year where he has played National League and Senior Championship and is a good score taker.