ULSTER SFC SEMI-FINAL
Fermanagh v Derry, Today, 6pm Healy Park, Omagh Live on RTÉ 2 & BBC 2
FOR ALL the chatter about the decent showing by Division Three clubs in the championship and Fermanagh gaining promotion from this group, tonight provides an entirely different proposition.
The Division One league champions bring an increased scoring threat in the Bradley brothers, Paddy and Eoin, Mark Lynch and Enda Muldoon than anything experienced thus far and that includes the impressive victory by Fermanagh over Monaghan in the quarter-final.
Marty McGrath is the outstanding midfielder in the absence of the suspended Fergal McCusker. James Conway is a decent replacement, but Derry's Paddy Crozier has options should Fermanagh threaten to overrun the middle third, namely pulling Muldoon back from half forward.
Strength in depth is the main difference between the sides. Few counties could survive the loss of quality defenders such as Barry Owens and Niall Bogue.
Derry's recent past provides an indication of their potential.
Beating Kerry in the league final provided the belief, firmed up by the scalping of Donegal.
DERRY: B Gillis; K McGuckin, K McCloy, F McEldowney; G O'Kane, N McCusker, M McIver; J Conway, J Diver; M Lynch, P Murphy, E Muldoon; C Gilligan, P Bradley, E Bradley.
FERMANAGH: R Gallagher; S Goan, H Brady, P Sherry; D Kelly, R McCluskey, T McElroy; M McGrath, M Murphy; C McElroy, J Sherry, R Keenan; E Maguire, L McBarron, M Little.
Referee: S Doyle (Wexford).
Guidelines
In the last episode: They have not crossed swords since 1990, when Derry had 16 points to spare.
You bet: Derry are 2/5 to win, Fermanagh 11/4 with 15/2 for a draw. The handicap has Derry three-point favourites at 11/10.
On your marks: Expect plenty of shifting and pulling as the usual Ulster football mind games take effect just before throw-in. Fermanagh will seek to employ a spare man in front of Paddy Bradley.
Gaining ground:With the capacity of Healy Park around 25,000 and Tyrone situated between Fermanagh and Derry, the Omagh stadium is ideal for this big game.
Just the ticket: Stand tickets are €30. Terrace €18. Neither county is famous for big followings, but this is an Ulster semi-final so the green and red flags will be out.
Crystal gazing: Fermanagh to remain competitive, but a burst of scoring from Paddy Bradley will dismiss any notions of a surprise and duly send Derry into the Ulster final.
