Fermanagh minor manager Niall McElroy says the key for his side on Saturday is to ensure that they are still in the game in the second half when they take on Monaghan at Brewster Park.

New format

It is the first game of a new group format championship with Fermanagh also facing Donegal, Down and Derry, the top four progressing to the quarter finals seeded on where they finish in the section.

Fermanagh played Monaghan in a challenge game at the start of the year and lost heavily and McElroy states that it has been about trying to close the gap since that meeting.

“We played Monaghan in a challenge game at the start of the year and it was a big defeat so we have been trying to close that gap since then.

“It is important when you go into games as underdogs that you stay in the game, especially in the first half, for as long as you can. That gives you a good boost at half time.

“You want the boys settled into the game as quickly as you can and get to half time and then see where we are,” he said.

It was a tough league campaign for the Ernemen with defeats to Donegal, Sligo and Tyrone but McElroy has seen an improvement as the season has progressed.

“We had a challenging league group and some harsh enough results along the way but it was great to give players as much game time as we could and we have been improving week on week.

“There are lots of learnings and in between games we would analyse what we have done and you can see a big improvement as we went along.

“We were able to work on different things in the league as well and you would hope that those things that you worked on would show up as you move into the championship,” he commented.

Tough run

He acknowledges though that they face another tough run of fixtures in their championship group.

“You have two teams - Derry and Donegal - who were in the league final, you have Monaghan who narrowly missed out on the league final and you have Down who are always good at minor level. It is a big, big challenge but it is what it is and we are going to embrace it and give it our best shot.

“We will just take it one game at a time. There is a quick turnaround for the Donegal game which is next Wednesday but we’ll think about that once we have Monaghan out of the way.”

It means that Fermanagh will have at least four championship games which McElroy believes can only be good for the development of the players although he feels the new format makes winning an Ulster title harder for Fermanagh as it is no longer straight knock out.

“In terms of Fermanagh it is good because it gives us more championship game time. I think this will be the first time in 20 years that Fermanagh will have had four championship games and hopefully we can get a knockout game as well.

Developing players

“I suppose in terms of a Fermanagh time trying to win an Ulster title it can be tricky because it is not straight knock out but in terms of development of players this format is definitely good for us,” he said.

The Tempo club man has been pleased too with the commitment and effort displayed by the players over the course of the season.

“I’ve said a few times that they are a great group of lads, they are very committed and I’m proud of their efforts throughout this year.

“They are keen to learn in between matches, they work hard in training sessions and take on any advice they are given by the coaches Niall McCann, Eunan Maguire, Fergal Quinn and Eoin Bradley. They are keen to improve and get better and I hope they get rewarded for that in this championship by putting in some good performances,” he added.

Curtain raiser

And he says the players are looking forward to stepping out at Brewster Park as the curtain raiser for the SFC clash between Fermanagh and Derry with the Erne manager believing that the pressure is off his side.

“To play before the seniors on Ulster Championship day is a great occasion for the boys, especially in front of their home support.

“I’m sure they have dreamed of playing for Fermanagh on the big day and now it’s their chance and they are looking forward to it.

“I believe the pressure is off them, Monaghan are big favourites going into the game so we can go into it relaxed and hopefully a good home support will give the boys a lift and we can give a good account of ourselves,” said McElroy.