FERMANAGH V DOWN Preliminary Round USFC

[FermPundit]

Well the big day is almost here. Expectations within Fermanagh are very low, considering our Ulster campaign last year and a lot of the "sunshine fans" have came and gone. Fermanagh's team lineout is quite surprising but I would expect a change or 2 to the 15. Damian Kelly has a late fitness test so if he doesn't make it Ryan McCluskey will probably come in. Reading through some of the comments from the Down posters on here it is apparent that there is a fair degree of confidence, if not arrogance, amonsgt the Down support. Anyway heres hoping for a dry day and an entertaining day ending in Fermanagh victories for both Minor and Seniors 

I'd be extremely surprised if Ryan McCluskey doesn't start tomorrow. I know he played soccer during the NFL, but he is a class act and we need his experience on the half back line. In fairness I don't think too many of the Down posters have been overly arrogant this week, well one or two maybe. However, given the performance of both teams over the winter, it's hardly surprising that they fancy their chances against Fermanagh. But sure don't us Fermanagh men love being the underdog? Tomorrow our disappointing league campaign can be forgotten about. It's all about 70 minutes of championship football between two evenly matched sides. I honestly think there will be no more than one or two points in it at the end.

[Dangerous Person]

The Down team that is named will be nothing like the one that takes the field tomorrow. McKernan isnt fit, Ambrose isnt fit, Brendan McArdle is nowhere near championship fitness. Duffin will start at 7, along with Turley in the full back line and Carr at midfield. I expect Fitzpatrick will start, and Benny will be out around the '40. Don't know why Down never just name the team that is starting!!! 

[western exile]

There has been some seriously heavy showers in Enniskillen today. I hope they're not as bad tomorrow. The wet conditions will suit neither side.

Not true. Derry got caught out in the Ulster Championship last year because a wet weather game suited the Fermanagh defensive style better.  And on the other side, Down are historically bad in the wet in Ulster Championship, and there is no reason that the current team will be any better with the style they try to play.  So wet weather... advantage Fermanagh

[western exile]

The Down team that is named will be nothing like the one that takes the field tomorrow. McKernan isnt fit, Ambrose isnt fit, Brendan McArdle is nowhere near championship fitness. Duffin will start at 7, along with Turley in the full back line and Carr at midfield. I expect Fitzpatrick will start, and Benny will be out around the '40. Don't know why Down never just name the team that is starting!!! 

It would be useful if, when posting, you said if this was a personal opinion of yours, or if you have some inside knowledge of facts 

[FermPundit]

There has been some seriously heavy showers in Enniskillen today. I hope they're not as bad tomorrow. The wet conditions will suit neither side.

Not true. Derry got caught out in the Ulster Championship last year because a wet weather game suited the Fermanagh defensive style better.  And on the other side, Down are historically bad in the wet in Ulster Championship, and there is no reason that the current team will be any better with the style they try to play.  So wet weather... advantage Fermanagh

I dont agree. Throughout this year's NFL, Fermanagh tried to play an offensive style of football. This was probably a contributing factor to them getting relegated. Just because Fermanagh played a defensive system last year doesn't mean the same will happen again this year. Before 2008, especially in 2004, Fermanagh were praised for playing an attacking brand of football. In the words of John Maughan Fermanagh were a "breath of fresh air". Tactics and systems of play aren't set in stone. They evolve over time.  Fermanagh have had to adjust their playing style according to the availability of players.  On too many occasions in the NFL they were without key players, or during the matches lost players to the yellow card system gratefully deceased and consequently were seldom able to establish any coherent style of play.  As to the wet weather suiting Fermanagh I ask you to cast your mind back to 2006 Ulster Championship and the dreadful performance against Antrim in the rain in Brewster Park.  The rain does not suit Fermanagh full stop.

[Joe Umbrella (hey)]

There has been some seriously heavy showers in Enniskillen today. I hope they're not as bad tomorrow. The wet conditions will suit neither side.

Not true. Derry got caught out in the Ulster Championship last year because a wet weather game suited the Fermanagh defensive style better.  And on the other side, Down are historically bad in the wet in Ulster Championship, and there is no reason that the current team will be any better with the style they try to play.  So wet weather... advantage Fermanagh

I dont agree. Throughout this year's NFL, Fermanagh tried to play an offensive style of football. This was probably a contributing factor to them getting relegated. Just because Fermanagh played a defensive system last year doesn't mean the same will happen again this year. Before 2008, especially in 2004, Fermanagh were praised for playing an attacking brand of football. In the words of John Maughan Fermanagh were a "breath of fresh air". Tactics and systems of play aren't set in stone. They evolve over time.  Fermanagh have had to adjust their playing style according to the availability of players.  On too many occasions in the NFL they were without key players, or during the matches lost players to the yellow card system gratefully deceased and consequently were seldom able to establish any coherent style of play.  As to the wet weather suiting Fermanagh I ask you to cast your mind back to 2006 Ulster Championship and the dreadful performance against Antrim in the rain in Brewster Park.  The rain does not suit Fermanagh full stop.

Yep this one's all down to the rain!

Based on the science of these weather factors and the rain forecast tomorrow Down are fcuked!

However what if it is cloudy with sunny spells?
Or even sunny with showers in some places?
Who will win then?
Cos I'm just gonna ring the Enniskillen tourist office in the morning to get a weather report as it will save me the drive down in the morning (having already known the outcome giving the whole rain situation and all).

However I shall leave all this query for all you Gaelic Football weather anaylists:

With the effects of global warming and the sunnier/warmer climate it brings combined with the success of Down at u/21 level in recent years, can you predict an All-Irelnad final win for Down in the not to distant future?

It's just that I hav'nt yet signed up for my club Down membership and I might just save me self the fee!

[inisceithleann]

There has been some seriously heavy showers in Enniskillen today. I hope they're not as bad tomorrow. The wet conditions will suit neither side.

Not true. Derry got caught out in the Ulster Championship last year because a wet weather game suited the Fermanagh defensive style better.  And on the other side, Down are historically bad in the wet in Ulster Championship, and there is no reason that the current team will be any better with the style they try to play.  So wet weather... advantage Fermanagh

I dont agree. Throughout this year's NFL, Fermanagh tried to play an offensive style of football. This was probably a contributing factor to them getting relegated. Just because Fermanagh played a defensive system last year doesn't mean the same will happen again this year. Before 2008, especially in 2004, Fermanagh were praised for playing an attacking brand of football. In the words of John Maughan Fermanagh were a "breath of fresh air". Tactics and systems of play aren't set in stone. They evolve over time.  Fermanagh have had to adjust their playing style according to the availability of players.  On too many occasions in the NFL they were without key players, or during the matches lost players to the yellow card system gratefully deceased and consequently were seldom able to establish any coherent style of play.  As to the wet weather suiting Fermanagh I ask you to cast your mind back to 2006 Ulster Championship and the dreadful performance against Antrim in the rain in Brewster Park.  The rain does not suit Fermanagh full stop.

There's no doubt that Fermanagh played a defensive brand of football last season but I agree that a wet day and heavy pitch will not suit them. They are quite a light team and play better with a dry ball in their hands. I hope they are a lot more offensive tomorrow, teams have worked out Fermanagh and we need to mix it up a bit.

[Joe Umbrella (hey)]

There has been some seriously heavy showers in Enniskillen today. I hope they're not as bad tomorrow. The wet conditions will suit neither side.

Not true. Derry got caught out in the Ulster Championship last year because a wet weather game suited the Fermanagh defensive style better.  And on the other side, Down are historically bad in the wet in Ulster Championship, and there is no reason that the current team will be any better with the style they try to play.  So wet weather... advantage Fermanagh

I dont agree. Throughout this year's NFL, Fermanagh tried to play an offensive style of football. This was probably a contributing factor to them getting relegated. Just because Fermanagh played a defensive system last year doesn't mean the same will happen again this year. Before 2008, especially in 2004, Fermanagh were praised for playing an attacking brand of football. In the words of John Maughan Fermanagh were a "breath of fresh air". Tactics and systems of play aren't set in stone. They evolve over time.  Fermanagh have had to adjust their playing style according to the availability of players.  On too many occasions in the NFL they were without key players, or during the matches lost players to the yellow card system gratefully deceased and consequently were seldom able to establish any coherent style of play.  As to the wet weather suiting Fermanagh I ask you to cast your mind back to 2006 Ulster Championship and the dreadful performance against Antrim in the rain in Brewster Park.  The rain does not suit Fermanagh full stop.

There's no doubt that Fermanagh played a defensive brand of football last season but I agree that a wet day and heavy pitch will not suit them. They are quite a light team and play better with a dry ball in their hands. I hope they are a lot more offensive tomorrow, teams have worked out Fermanagh and we need to mix it up a bit.

What if its a really sunny and dry day and somebody on the other team runs the ball under a tap, will Fermanah still get beat?

[ExiledGael]

Hmmm, in the words of Keegan I would love it if we beat Down.
It's gonna be a dreadful day but a 1-9 to 0-10 win will do for me, Barry Owens off the bench for the winning goal.

[Pangurban]

ExiledGael we would all to see Fermanagh win an Ulster Championship, but it aint going to happen this year, nevertheless be assured of our support in your qualifiers campaign

[Tyrones own]

I honestly fancy Fermanagh for this one...Don't be fooled by the league results, Championship is a different deal.
O'Rourke is no dummy and IMHO will have the homework done, these boy's well prepared and in tip top shape for the marra!

[supersub]

The Down team that is named will be nothing like the one that takes the field tomorrow. McKernan isnt fit, Ambrose isnt fit, Brendan McArdle is nowhere near championship fitness. Duffin will start at 7, along with Turley in the full back line and Carr at midfield. I expect Fitzpatrick will start, and Benny will be out around the '40. Don't know why Down never just name the team that is starting!!! 

It would be useful if, when posting, you said if this was a personal opinion of yours, or if you have some inside knowledge of facts 

maybe he doesnt want to be seen as giving away vital info  but yes i also heard 'rumours' of turley at fb and duffin in the half back line, along with fitzpatrick upfront and aidan car 'roaming'!!

[ONeill]

The Championship is back!

Envious of the Down and Fermanagh folk making their way to the game - the sounds, smells and being ripped off.

Down with their big arses and thighs to emerge with a 4-point win.

[FermGael]

It's dry here at the moment but looks like it is going to be showery.
Wee bit of a breeze blowing as well.

[DownFanatic]

Im predicting a Down win here by 2 or 3 points.