Fermanagh Ladies captain Shannon McQuade says getting a win on Sunday is the main focus as they prepare to take on Antrim away from home in the first game of the Lidl NFL Division Four campaign this weekend.

Sunday’s opponents defeated James Daly’s team in the All-Ireland Ladies JFC Final back in August at the second time of asking after the first contest ended all square.

“We are taking one game at a time. Our main focus at the minute is the game against Antrim on Sunday, getting a win under our belts and then focusing on how to get the next one.

“Obviously, Antrim are no strangers to us we met them several times last year and most importantly in the All-Ireland final and the replay as well. We know what to expect, but we have new girls in this year to strengthen our panel which I believe will help us get over the line on Sunday.”

McQuade who was named as captain during the team’s pre-season is more than excited about what lies ahead for this year’s squad.

“It was lovely to be asked to be captain this year, there’s a great group of girls that are motivated to do well, it’s exciting. Personally, I am looking forward to the season ahead but unfortunately, I will miss out on the first league game of the season due to a shoulder injury, so I’ll be cheering on the girls from the sideline on Sunday. My focus at the minute is recovery and getting back on the pitch with the girls.”

Fermanagh will be without their captain who is one of three players currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, but manager Daly is hoping to welcome more players back when the season is up and going.

Challenge matches against Leitrim, Cavan, Tyrone and Monaghan have left the team in good stead for the weekend’s match with McQuade knowing the benefits those games will bring the team during the league campaign.

“We had some great competitive challenge matches over the past few weeks which gave the girls coming into the panel this year a chance to show themselves before going into the league.

“Preseason training has been tough, it always is, unfortunately, and it doesn’t get any easier, but hopefully that will stand to us going into the league.

“We have plenty still to do but we have definitely created a great base.”