Monaghan failed to bring the curtain down on their National League programme
in style.
Yet, ironically, two aspects of their campaign will, I feel, weigh in their
favour when they square up to Fermanagh on Sunday.
The first is that over the course of the competition Seamus McEnaney's side
played against some quality opponents - the likes of Dublin, Cork, Armagh
and Westmeath for starters.
Going in against sides of this calibre helps to test a side and highlights
their strengths as well as unveiling their weaknesses.
They may have lost to Cork and Westmeath but Monaghan probably discovered
more about themselves in these two games.
Fermanagh did more than well to win promotion from Division Three. Like
Monaghan, they strung togetther some impressive performances although they
fell to Wexford at the final hurdle.
But the quality of opposition they encountered was not quite of the same
calibre that the Farney county met.
Monaghan have had a diet of high-tempo games lately during which they have
looked at a number of players and now appear to have a settled side.
Fermanagh have had their injury problems but at the same time players like
Mark Murphy have stepped up to the mark impressively.
I honestly feel Monaghan's recent itinerary against some decent sides
coupled with their marked desire to go one better than last year - certainly
in terms of winning the Ulster Championship title - will prove a big spur
for them. But I am sure of one thing. This will be a close game between two
good footballing sides who know how to play an attacking game. It will be a
good spectacle with the emphasis very much on attack and I know that it will
take the Ulster Championship to the next level.
I'm aware, too, that big improvements have been made to the Enniskillen
ground - it should prove a great setting and while the Fermanagh supporters
will be out in force to get behind therir side, I believe that Monaghan will
edge it.
Hi: 18°C / Lw: 13°C
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