Tough test under city lights

Editorial Department • Published 4 Mar 2010 15:00 0 Comments

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Fermanagh's James Sherry and Michael McCann of Antrim, in action the last time the sides met, are likely to face each other again on Saturday night. On the previous occasion Fermanagh won 1-09 to 0-09 in an Ulster Championship clash at Brewster Park. <<

Fermanagh will travel to Casement Park on Saturday evening looking to inflict a first league defeat of the campaign on Liam Bradley's Antrim outfit. The Saffrons have made a flying start to life in Division Three with two wins out of two coming against Sligo and Cavan and they will be fancied to make that three in a row on Saturday against Malachy O'Rourke's Fermanagh side.

Antrim football would certainly seem to be on an upward curve as the momentum built up during 2009 which saw them gain promotion from Division Four before reaching the Ulster Final is being carried forward into 2010.

Bradley's aim will be for the side to build on their achievements of last year and at the minute at least there does not seem to be any sign of the second season syndrome that afflicts many sides who try to push on after a good year.

And probably the most impressive thing about Antrim's start to the league has been that it has been done without their large contingent of St. Gall's players, showing an obvious strength in depth that will no doubt have pleased the management.

It is clear then that Fermanagh face a particularly tough assignment on Saturday but none-the-less O'Rourke will be going to Belfast in search of the two points.

Fermanagh have struggled for form in the early stages of the league with defeat to Offaly in Tullamore followed by a fortunate victory over Roscommon at Brewster Park where it took an injury time goal from James Sherry to snatch the points.

Circumstances have not been particularly kind to O'Rourke to date with the manager's hand having been forced with regards team selection.

The manager freshened up the squad at the start of the season by bringing in a number of new faces but he probably would not have envisaged having to use so many together during the league. However, that has been the case and at the minute it is simply a matter of getting on with it and while it is a tough learning curve for the newcomers, it is one that O'Rourke will hope will benefit them in the long run.

The turnover of players within the county cannot be understated. In 2008 Fermanagh reached the Ulster final but of the players that started that replay only six remain in contention for a starting slot on Saturday night.

Both sides will be without their St. Gall's players, meaning Fermanagh will have to do without Ronan Gallagher and Rory Gallagher while Tempo's Stephen Jackson could make his debut in goals as Chris Breen has sustained an ankle injury.

Furthermore, Fermanagh are unlikely to risk Marty McGrath just yet although he did come on in a recent challenge game against Leitrim which Fermanagh won by two points. McGrath's presence and physical strength have been badly missed and it places added responsibility on captain James Sherry in the midfield area.

Defensively, Fermanagh will have to show a marked improvement on their two outings to date with both Offaly and Roscommon finding space too easily available while Sherry will need help in the middle of the field if Fermanagh are going to be able to get a solid footing in the game.

And up front they are going to have to make the most of any chances that come their way.

Ryan Carson was in good form against Roscommon, and although O'Rourke may consider playing him at midfield to beef up that area, he will be reluctant to move him from full forward as he poses Fermanagh's biggest threat in attack. It will then be up to the likes of Mattie Keenan and Daryl Keenan chip in with scores if Fermanagh are to be in contention.

With Antrim leading the way in the division, this game will give O'Rourke and his side an idea of where they are at this present time and he will be only too aware that if they could muster a win in Casement Park then they are right in contention for promotion, although the other side of the coin is that defeat leaves them looking at the other end of the table.

An improved performance though will be what O'Rourke will be firstly seeking, and with the manager hinting that he may add to the squad in the coming week, if that can be achieved it could leave Fermanagh in a better shape moving into the second half of the league campaign.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 04 Mar 10

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