For Fermanagh centre half-back Shane McGullion, last Saturday's defeat to Donegal was a steep learning curve in the school of experience.

He and his colleagues had a fine first half but were unable to cope with Donegal’s greater power and panache, especially after Dáire Ó’Baoill’s first crucial goal just six minutes into the second half.

But the Derrygonnelly Harps man was looking forward to setting the record straight when Fermanagh host Cork in Ederney next Sunday, February 25.

“After that first goal, we seemed to lose our structure and they got on top and turned over a few kick outs and we were on the back foot.

“But whenever momentum is going against you it is hard to get it back but we will have to park it and re-group for next weekend.”

Once again having a keeper out the field proved to be more of a risk than a reward for Donegal’s first goal.

“He was very good last week, and anyone can get caught up in possession and it was just the way it happened, and they got on top.

“Ross was outstanding last week and he will re-group and go again.”

He added: “We had a good first half but we should have had a few more scores on the board with the wind behind us.

“So that is something we will need to work on and in the second half we conceded a lot at the back but the focus now is on next week.

“It was a hard learning experience as Donegal are a fine outfit and are going well and we will have to take the learning from this defeat and see where we went wrong and re-group.

“The Cork game is a huge game in our bid to stay in Division Two and we will have to try and get a result in Ederney where we have a very good record.

“We did not lose a game there [last season] and we will be looking to take the points. We are a young team and our big goal is to stay in Division Two."

Looking ahead to Sunday's clash, McGullion knows that they are coming up against a wounded animal in the shape of the Rebels who have yet to pick up a point in Division Two.

"Cork will be coming with a real energy and drive to get the win and we are going to have to match that and more.

"Cork are a big team, it’s going to be a very physical encounter and we will expect nothing less," said McGullion who also knows what it would mean to Fermanagh to pick up a second win.

Doing so would put them five points ahead of Cork in the standings: "It’s going to be a very important game for us in terms of staying in Division Two and developing as team.

"As a team we need to take the learnings from the Donegal game and regroup quickly as it’s going to be a crucial game."