Nugent: Aughnamullen up against it versus Emyvale

By Shaun Casey

AUGHNAMULLEN know exactly the challenge they face as they take on Emyvale this weekend, says boss Peter Nugent.

Both clubs are vying for a place in the Monaghan Intermediate Championship semi-finals but only one can succeed. Nugent’s side finished third in their group, winning two of their four outings, while Emyvale march into the weekend off the back of a three-game winning streak, bouncing back from their first-round defeat to Ballybay.

Aughnamullen remain without Bobby McCaul of course, who suffered the dreaded ACL injury while on Monaghan duty earlier in the season.

“Emyvale would be traditionally seen as a club in Monaghan with a lot of talent. Last year’s run in the Ulster (Junior) Championship gave them an opportunity to find their feet again,” said the Armagh native.

“They got into the habit of winning and got to an Ulster final. They’ve carried that form through to this season and that’s to be seen in the championship.

“Apart from losing to Ballybay on the opening day, they’ve put three wins on the bounce together and there’s a real consistency with them.

“In an attacking sense, they’re constantly hitting the 20-point mark or above. I suppose if you compare that with us in the championship, we’ve been inconsistent and we’ve only really registered 15-points a game on average.

“That’s ultimately the difference so far in this year’s championship. As an attacking force they have been a lot more free flowing than what we have been.”

Aughnamullen defeated Tyholland the last day out, getting back on track after a huge 20-point drubbing at the hands of local neighbours Donaghmoyne on home turf.

“That was a difficult day for us. We had our injury issues going into the game but to use that as an excuse would be futile,” Nugent continued.

“Donaghmoyne were extremely clinical on the day with fast, first-time football and we really struggled to deal with it.

“Sometimes these are really good postings along the road to get. It left us in no doubt of where our team is on our particular journey and it was a very grounding result for us.

“We put a run together at the back end of the league to get to a league final but that day against Donaghmoyne. We were beaten by a well-oiled machine and had no choice but to take our beating.

“We’ve had a lot to reflect on since and I would say we’re still trying to right a few of the wrongs that happened that particular day.”