Fermanagh manager Peter Canavan looks on at the Wicklow v Fermanagh Allianz National Football League Division 3 match in Aughrim (PHOTO – DAVE BARRETT)
A HAPPIER Peter Canavan surveyed Fermanagh’s convincing win over favourites, Wicklow in ‘fortress Aughrim’ on Sunday and he agreed it was ‘a massive game’.
He also looked ahead to the visit of Roscommon to Brewster Park this Saturday night (7pm) for round two of the NFL Division 3 and spoke of the need for a ‘fortress Brewster’ template.
“It was a massive game for both teams because, certainly, Wicklow would have been targeting Fermanagh as one of the games they would have to win for promotion, so from that point of view, our win was very convincing (1-16 to 0-9) and rather pleasing.”
Having over-nighted in Dublin, the Fermanagh players hit the ground running, helped by a strong breeze in the opening half.
“It was imperative that we got off to a good start and settled quickly if you’re on a strange ground. Our first three shots all went over the bar and that helped settle the team, and we finished the half quite strongly as well.
“We got a few late scores that gave us a good cushion going into the second-half. In the second-half, playing against the breeze, every score was going to be important at that stage and, to be fair, Wicklow committed themselves going forward to try and retrieve the deficit and they were able to get good scores,” Canavan added.
But, not enough, so it’s evens-stevens when Fermanagh and Roscommon square up to each other on Saturday night, with a home win a must-do.
“I made to clear to the players at the start of the season that every game in Division 3 is important, and every game you want to see progress the further on you are actually playing, and that’s certainly our aim on Saturday night.”
With the players and the management team in mid-travel to Dublin on Saturday, they missed out on the Ireland/Wales rugby clash, and a sparkling Irish win, but, like Ireland, several Fermanagh players are carrying knocks from what was a physical encounter in Aughrim.
For that reason, the starting 15 won’t be announced till later in the week.
All the more reason why he was content with their display: “Yes, it was a good display. A lot of the things we have been working on came off, the boys are working hard and are committed, and that’s important.
“Again, we’re at home, so we have to take whatever advantage is going and, in that regard, we would like to think we will have good support at Brewster Park to rally the boys on to give their best.”
What of Roscommon?
It is clear Canavan rates them highly.
“Physically, they’re very strong. Last Sunday, they were very dominant in the middle against Sligo. It’s not that long ago they were Connacht champions, they defeated a strong Armagh team last year and gave Tyrone a real test, so we know what we are up against.”