By Mark McGoldrick

DECLAN Bonner has warned his Fermanagh players that they cannot afford to underestimate New York as they prepare for Saturday’s Tailteann Cup preliminary quarter-final at Brewster Park.

The Erne county booked their place in the knockout stages with an impressive victory over Wexford two weeks ago and now stand just 70 minutes away from a home quarter-final.

However, Bonner insists their complete focus is on the challenge directly in front of them this weekend..

“We knew it had to be one of four teams who had to play the preliminary quarter-final and we were drawn out,” said Bonner.

“Once we found out, we started the preparations for New York.

“It was a good result against Wexford and we have to build on that. We will be giving New York the same respect that we give any other team and we have to be ready for the challenge.”

The Fermanagh manager believes recent weeks have shown what his side are capable of as injured players have returned and competition for places has intensified throughout the panel.

“I have been saying this for a good while – once we got some of the lads back, they’ve been training well and performing well and it was all about trying to tie down a good performance together,” he explained.

“They done that to a degree against Wexford. The goals were probably disappointing but we played well and we will need to build on that.”

Bonner says the battle for starting positions has helped drive standards within the squad.

“There is competition for places which is exactly what you want.

“You have to keep your foot on the gas as every training session is being monitored and places are picked on the basis of that, so it’s competitive.”

Fermanagh showed plenty of character during their victory over Wexford, responding strongly after setbacks during the game, something Bonner sees as an important sign of progress.

“We responded really well after conceding the two goals and that was key,” he said.

“The lads coming off the bench have made a good impact too which is important.

“For us it’s deciding what 15 starts and who is ready to come in and finish off the game and that’s the way it will be.”

A home quarter-final awaits the winners on Saturday and Bonner acknowledges that the incentive is a significant one.

“We’re looking forward to getting a big crowd into Brewster Park on Saturday and that was important against Wexford. There was a good crowd and it’s important to build on that now.

“The carrot that is dangling in front of us now is a home quarter-final. That’s massive.”

The positive atmosphere generated by the Wexford win has also given the squad an added lift heading into the weekend.

“Those are the type of days you want to be part of and involved in,” said Bonner.

“It was great to see all the young kids from the different clubs being there and meeting the players.

“We’re up in Lissan in November and December when you’d send nobody up there.

“The weather has picked up a bit now and those are the days that inter-county players have to strive towards.”

Despite the excitement surrounding the occasion, Bonner is adamant that Fermanagh will have to earn everything if they are to advance to the last eight.

“We have to work hard for everything we get and it’ll be the same this weekend,” added the Fermanagh boss.

“We have to go out and earn the right to put in a good performance because New York won’t give us anything handy.

“They have upset teams in the past and they are strong and physical, with some really good players.

“We’re under no illusions about them, but if we get a good home support behind us and give the fans something to cheer about, we should be in a good enough place.”