Fermanagh and Armagh need no introduction to each other with this Saturday’s meeting between the pair in Crossmaglen set to be the fourth time they have clashed in just over a year.

The record from the three games last year was one win apiece and a draw although Fermanagh’s win in the Ulster Championship encounter at Brewster Park was the most significant of those.

And Fermanagh coach Shane McCabe expects that the familiarity will lead to it being a tasty affair.

“It is the fourth time we will have played them in just over 12 months so the sides would be very familiar with each other at this stage and that familiarity can bring a bit more spice to the game. It is also another Ulster derby so that adds to it and on top of that both teams have a lot to play for so both will be very keen to win,” said the Belcoo man.

Of course, Fermanagh could be promoted if results go the right way on Sunday but McCabe stresses that they have achieved their first goal in the league which was to stay in the division.

“A lot of people would have had us firm favourites for relegation so all we wanted to do was keep Fermanagh in Division Two first and foremost. We wanted the boys to learn from last year and drive things on and we have some young lads who have come in who have added to that along with the lads who were there last year and who are now starting to kick on.

“To stay in Division Two means the league has been a success for us. We know there could be more in it for us too but we won’t get too carried away in thinking about that.

“For ourselves we will be looking to put in a good performance and if we can get the win you never know where it could take you. We are just concentrating on the game, on that first ball and take it from there.

“People can get caught up thinking about promotion or thinking about next year but we have to live for the here and now and we’re only looking at this game,” he said.

Armagh have plenty of quality for Fermanagh to concern themselves and the likes of Stefan Campbell and Jamie Clarke returning to add more firepower after missing last season.

“They have a lot of firepower and they have been unlucky in a lot of their games as they have been there or thereabouts in them. You give these players time and space on the ball they are going to punish you. You have Soupy Campbell, Jamie Clarke and others and they are quality forwards,” he added.

Fermanagh though will hopefully be close to full strength for the game with Eoin Donnelly having got time under his belt in the win over Clare while Barry Mulrone is back in contention having returned to the squad three weeks ago and that is a major boost heading into an important game.

And McCabe believes that if Fermanagh can continue to perform as they have been then they have what it takes to return with the win.

“We are unbeaten in the league so far and we don’t want to be going up there and losing that record. If we stick to the gameplan and show the levels of performance in some of the games to date then it gives us every chance.

“It is going to be intense and we are gearing up for a battle but hopefully we can come away with the result,” he stated.