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Pete McGrath hoping for Fermanagh Qualifier journey

Fermanagh manager Pete McGrath.

Fermanagh manager Pete McGrath.

By Cian O'Connell

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Pete McGrath has spent a lifetime spent coaching and cajoling performances from teams at every level of the game.

So Sunday’s trip to the Athletic Grounds for an All Ireland SFC Round 1B Qualifier brings a challenge McGrath wants his Fermanagh team to embrace.

Fermanagh caused Monaghan some problems in Ulster before being overpowered in the closing stages, but McGrath remains hopeful.

Stressing the importance of the first Qualifier encounter, McGrath accepts that a Qualifier victory can have significant and positive implications. “I would agree with that because whichever team wins on Sunday will know that they have beaten a decent team,” McGrath admits.

“That will give confidence, it will give them momentum. There is no doubt in my mind, my experience of Championship football is that when a team wins a Championship match then they grow in confidence, the energy and enthusiasm about the place increases vividly.

“It just galvanises people to even greater effort. There is no doubt that whoever comes out on top on Sunday will feel that they can go forward confidently and aggressively into the next round irrespective of who they get.”

Throughout the years Fermanagh have become accustomed to dealing with setbacks, but during the past two decades they have embarked on some interesting adventures in the Qualifiers.

Will that have any impact in 2017? “We were bitterly disappointed at the conclusion of the Monaghan game because we did feel that in the last 20 minutes we lost our way somewhat for a variety of reasons,” McGrath says.

“The players were bitterly disappointed to lose that game by nine points. At half-time you wouldn't have thought it was going to be a nine point game for either time. Disappointment, but then we quickly refocused. You have to deal with where you are.

“Over quite a number of years Fermanagh teams have been quite adept in refocusing and readjusting, having good journeys through the Qualifiers. Obviously we are hoping we can do the same again this year, but ask any manager, who has taken a team through these Qualifiers, and any manager will tell you the first game is the critical game.

“That is the game you have to win to get your momentum back, the game you have to win to kickstart your season again. If you get that win a lot of doors can open right in front of you.”

Fermanagh manager Pete McGrath looking forward to Armagh test.

Fermanagh manager Pete McGrath looking forward to Armagh test.

With the Championship stakes piled high, McGrath is relishing the opportunity to bring Fermanagh to the Athletic Grounds.

“Yes, obviously for both teams it is sudden death with two Ulster teams playing it adds a bit of spice,” McGrath replies.

“Since the Monaghan game we have prepared pretty well, we are looking forward to the Qualifiers. Obviously when the draw was made pitting us against Armagh in the Athletic Grounds then we were under no illusions about the extent of the challenge that we faced. We are ready for it and we are looking forward to pitting ourselves against Armagh in their own backyard.”

Monaghan had the depth and desire to outfox Fermanagh, who had started brightly in Clones, last month.

“The Monaghan game for 40-45 minutes nearly went exactly according to the way we would have planned it,” McGrath states.

“We wanted to be there with Monaghan, we didn't want to give any big scores to them, the goal we conceded in the first half was unfortunate. With 45 minutes on the clock almost they were leading by a point.

“You are right, the bench they had, the greater depth of players in terms of who they could bring on, those were big factors in that last 20 minutes. Those things came to tell quite dramatically.

“Monaghan showed all their experience and all of their class. The fact that they could bring on people, who were probably a cut above what we could bring on was a big factor in the final outcome.”

Armagh suffered against Down, Fermanagh were beaten by Monaghan ensuring this weekend’s tussle carries intrigue up north. Advancing to Round 2B is the mission only one team can accomplish.

“Yes, I think when you get what is basically an Ulster Championship match which isn't actually in the Ulster Championship it can definitely cause and create a lot of interest certainly in Ulster.

“It mightn't create a massive interest in Killarney or somewhere like that, but recent games between ourselves and Armagh have been close.” Another tight encounter is anticipated.