By Michael McMullan

MONAGHAN hit three goals at Clones when the sides met in the league but the Farney hurlers will be hoping to bounce back against Warwickshire on Saturday in the Lory Meagher Cup.

After victory over Lancashire, Monaghan lost to Cavan in Round Two at Kingspan Breffni after shipping two first-half goals.

Cavan were nine points ahead by the break but the Farney dug into break even in the second half.

It could’ve have been a different story entirely had they translated two potent attacks into goals during the crucial final 10 minutes.

James Slevin hit their goal and may well have had another one with Conor Garland also having a three-point chance thwarted by a moment of Cavan bravery.

Monaghan were winners of the Lory Meagher Cup two years ago with victory over Lancashire in a 3-22 to 3-20 Croke Park shootout.

As it stands, they plenty of work to do to get to that level of consistence. That’s why this weekend’s game in Inniskeen is so important. Victory, and a place in Croke Park could still be on the cards.

The U-20s have an All-Ireland final against Armagh to look forward to as well.

Warwickshire lost both games in the competition to date and it the Farney men can screw that towards a third with victory this weekend, then it could be the turning of their season. An important clash awaits.