Warwickshire win was huge says Baldwin

By Pauric McGurn

FERMANAGH boss Joe Baldwin said “it was never going to be simple” as his side made it three wins in a row over Warwickshire on Sunday afternoon with a strong victory in Birmingham.

The Erne men didn’t have it all their own way in the fixture with the Fermanagh side needing to hit the final four points of the game to claim the victory.

The Fermanagh manager was pleased with his side’s character and resilience.

“We always knew it was never going to be simple over in England,” said Baldwin.

“Warwickshire are a really physical big side and they have some useful hurlers. The victory is huge for us, it’s another two points and it just adds to our momentum that we have achieved.

“Logistically it’s always challenging but fair play to the lads, they showed real enthusiasm and they have really worked hard to claim the win.

“We left early Saturday and most of the lads won’t get home to Enniskillen until about 9.30pm tonight (Sunday) so it’s a two day thing.”

Fermanagh hit 18 wides in the game and the lack of clinical nature was a concern for Baldwin.

“We had enough chances to win the game by more on Sunday, but again the use of the ball is not good enough and in tight games that will come back and hit us,” the Erne boss said.

“They also scored four without reply and although we claimed the win it’s another thing that we have to work on, hitting wides, especially 18 of them is a worry.

“Some day we will click I am certain of it and we will put in a huge winning margin.”

Fermanagh missed a penalty late on with Caolan Duffy seeing his penalty going to the wrong side of the post. Baldwin was pleased with the maturity shown by the Lisbellaw hurler.

“He could have just put it over the bar but totally fair play to him, he went for it and he was so unlucky,” the Fermanagh boss said.

“I also want to give a special mention to Sean Corrigan and John Duffy, again these lads are giving so much for the county and they were both just marvelous on Sunday.”

Fermanagh were able to call upon Dannan McKeogh and Francie McBrien for the first time this season. Baldwin is pleased with the strength and depth in his panel.

“Having those players back really adds to the squad again and it helps the team improve even more,” the Erne manager said.

“Dannan did pick up a knock on his ankle which is a worry, while it was brilliant to see Francie get through 70 minutes.

“We lost Danny Teague as he had a collision in the warm-up. That threw us a bit and we had to make changes but it’s a squad game and other players came in and did brilliantly.”

Fermanagh now face Leitrim this coming Saturday in Brewster Park with many classing the game as a promotion play-off. Baldwin is looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s a game we have had one eye on and it’s going to be another severe test,” he said.

“Leitrim are a vastly improving side and have always given us really tough battles.

“It’s something like a winner takes all but that is not underestimating Lancashire who we face in Abbotstown.”