Bonner targets improvement up front

FERMANAGH will look to turn lessons into action this weekend when they welcome Longford for what promises to be a searching test in the opening round of the Tailteann Cup.

After returning to training on the Tuesday night following their Ulster Championship defeat to Armagh, the mood in the camp was one of determination.

There was plenty to take from the outing, most notably a scoring return of 1-20 in the second half, but the Fermanagh team and management was very disappointed with their first half scoring return.

Fermanagh manager Declan Bonner said they’ve been working hard to address their attacking game in the sessions since.

“We left a lot behind us,” reflected Bonner.

“If we had taken even a portion of those chances, it could have been a very different game.”

That said, there were encouraging signs that offer hope heading into the Longford clash.

Fermanagh’s work around kickouts stood out, with the side enjoying a strong share of possession both from their own restarts and those of the opposition.

It’s a platform that, if built upon, could prove decisive this weekend.

“We were good on the kickouts and we got a lot of possession off those,” explained Bonner.

“For the possession we had, if we were told before the game that we would have that, you would think it would be a very close game.”

As they prepare to kick off their Tailteann Cup campaign, first up for Fermanagh is a Longford side who arrive with momentum, having secured promotion to Division Three.

It’s a fact that has not gone unnoticed in the Fermanagh camp, where respect for the opposition is clear.

“There are no easy games,” explained Bonner.

“Longford have shown their quality, and we’ll treat them with the same respect as any team.”

Fermanagh will take encouragement from the impact made by their bench in the previous game, with substitutes, including Conor O’Hanlon and Mattie McDermott, bringing energy and urgency when introduced.

There were also strong individual displays to build on, including an impressive second-half showing from Darragh McGurn, whose influence helped drive the team forward when it mattered most.

With the advantage of home surroundings, there is hope that a strong local support can provide an added lift.

The call has gone out to the Fermanagh faithful to get behind a squad that continues to put in a significant level of effort behind the scenes.

“The lads are working as hard as any Division One team,” explained Bonner.

“They’re putting in a huge shift and we’re hoping that translates into a big performance.”