Both Derrylin and Aghadrumsee would have preferred to be fighting it out for survival in the Intermediate Championship, and the respective managers are expecting a battle as both sides fight to avoid the drop to Junior football in 2022.

For Derrylin it could be a quick return to the Junior grade having won the 2020 competition, albeit in 2021 due to Covid.

A poor showing against Devenish knocked them out at the quarter-final stage while they were narrowly beaten by Lisnaskea in the relegation semi-final.

Having gained promotion to Division One as well this year, the O'Connell's will want to continue their recent development.

In Jake Smith, they have a dangerous forward who on his day can prove a handful for any defence while around the middle of the park they have the likes of James Dolan, Eoin Maguire, Danny Leonard and Luke Flanagan to help launch attacks.

Looking ahead to the game, Derrylin manager, Aiden Gilroy, is realistic in knowing that this was always a possibility for his side but he feels his side are well capable competing at Intermediate level.

"The players want to play at the highest level possible. Winning on Sunday keeps them climbing the ladder and the lads are very motivated to give it their all.

"They know they are well fit for intermediate football. We didn't give any account of ourselves in second half against Devenish but we showed fantastic character to put in a performance against Lisnaskea especially after conceding a goal so early." Looking at his opponents he knows Aghadrumsee will be just as hungry as them to avoid the drop: "Aghadrumsee like ourselves do not want to take a backward step in championship. There is a lot at stake. It's November football so we are not going out to put on a show, we are going to have to fight and hassle for everything, it is all about getting a result and we know we will have to match them physically to be in with a shout."

The Magpies, like Derrylin have the quality in their ranks such as Eddie Courtney, Eoin McCabe, Aidy Bannon and Darren Kearns.

A late Maguiresbridge goal ensured the Magpies would be in the relegation final and for their boss, Pat Cadden, their fate is in their own hands.

It’s disappointing to be in this situation but it’s in our own hands and if we turn up and concentrate on our own performance and apply ourselves correctly we’re good enough to compete with anyone," he said.

"It was a tight game against them in the league and it will be a battle again.

"They will be favourites after being promoted and winning junior championship but it’s a challenge the lads will relish and one their looking forward too," Cadden concluded.