By Shaun Casey

CLONTIBRET are “well aware” of the huge task that is ahead of them this weekend says joint manager Paul McCartan as they head to Scotstown for round two of the Monaghan Senior Championship.

It’s a repeat of last year’s decider, which Scotstown edged in the end. Clontibret got their account up and running last weekend with a nine-point home victory against Corduff, when three first half goals paved the way to victory.

But the Burren native knows Saturday’s showdown will be another step up and they are likely to be without the injured Darragh Hughes. “We’ll just have to reassess and see where we are. At this stage, it’s just about getting everyone ready for the weekend,” McCartan said.

“We’ve only a six-day turnaround and obviously Scotstown will have saw our game last week. They’ll be ready for us, and we know the task that is ahead of us.

“They haven’t won as many county titles as they have by taking things for granted and they know there’s a lot of teams in Monaghan trying to get that wee bit closer to them but they’re a juggernaut so we’re well aware of the task.”

McCartan was happy to come away with a first-round win, although he reckons there’s plenty of improvements that can be made. Having led by 14-points at the interval, Corduff hit three second half goals to close the goal.

It never looked like the home team would lose however, with strong performances from Killian Lavelle and Francie Hughes. Star man Conor McManus was his usual accurate self, and he finished with 0-9, including three two-point frees.

“I wouldn’t be happy with the second half, they got through for three goals which made us sweat for that period of time, but we’re delighted with the win. The big thing was winning our home game and getting off to a good start in the championship.

“We’re going to be a bit thin on the deck this weekend and that’s why the first round was so important for us. We got two-points on the board, and it is the group of death, but we had a young minor starting today and making his championship debut in Charlie Mone.

“That’s great for the club, getting to see the youth and the development coming through and that’s what the club needs. He’s a good lad and the club need that; they need the next batch of players coming through.”