Fermanagh attack gives them the edge over Antrim

Fermanagh v Antrim, Ulster SFC preliminary round

Brewster Park, 4pm

This is one of the more frequent fixtures in recent times in the province and just two years ago Antrim were winners but that outcome was reversed by Fermanagh in last year’s qualifiers.

On the face of it, Fermanagh are a Division Two side whereas Antrim played in Division Four during the spring but the latter have good momentum having secured promotion even if the divisional final against Louth ended in a disappointing defeat.

If there was a particular concern about the Louth defeat – aside from the fact of it, as the county has now lost its last three divisional finals – it was how the hitherto best defence in the league ended up shipping three goals.

Under Peter McGrath, Fermanagh have been a serious outfit and last year put up a notable fight against Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

Their forwards have been menacing, particularly last year’s high-scoring Seán Quigley and Tomás Corrigan.

They are also strong at centrefield where captain Eoin Donnelly has been passed fit to play, whereas Antrim have a concern about Niall McKeever’s hamstring.

Antrim are away again in this fixture for the third time running but with Casement Park closed for development the team are used to travelling.

They gave Fermanagh a chasing two years ago but although both have improved in the meantime the home side look to be hitting higher notes.

Last meeting: 2015 All-Ireland qualifier round two, Enniskillen, Fermanagh 1-21, Antrim 0-11.

Odds: Fermanagh 2/5, Antrim 11/ 4 and 15/2 the draw.

Injuries: Ryan McCloskey misses out for Fermanagh with a hip injury. Antrim's captain Kevin Niblock is selected despite concerns over a bout of tonsillitis but there also concerns about Niall McKeever's hamstring.

Suspension: None.

Just the ticket: Adult stand €25/£20, terrace €15/£12 if purchased in advance. Reductions for students and senior citizens. Children (under 16) free except in Vesey Stand, €5/£5.

Verdict: Fermanagh to win.

FERMANAGH: Chris Snow; Mickey Jones, Che Cullen, Marty O'Brien; Declan McCusker, James McMahon, Barry Mulrone; Eoin Donnelly (capt.), Aidan Breen; Pádraig McCusker, Ryan Jones, Ryan Lyons; Ruairi Corrigan, Seán Quigley, Tomás Quigley.
ANTRIM: Chris Kerr; Kevin O'Boyle, Richard Johnston, Niall Delargy; Patrick McBride, Martin Johnston, James Laverty; Niall McKeever, Conor Murray; Matthew Fitzpatrick, Kevin Niblock, John Carron; Brian Neeson, Tomas McCann, Michael McCann. Subs: Ronan Hanna, Sean McVeigh, Conor Burke, Ryan Murray, Paddy McAleer, Patrick Gallagher, Sean Burke, Michael Armstrong, Mark Sweeney, Dermot McAleese, Jack Dowling.

REFEREE: Seán Hurson (Tyrone).