Promotion hopes on the line - Waterford v Fermanagh preview

The next fortnight will determine the success or otherwise of Waterford’s league campaign. This weekend Peter Canavan’s table toppers visit Fraher Field while a week later a trip to the Gaelic Grounds is on the cards. Waterford need to win at least one of these crunch games to keep their promotion ambitions alive.

Fermanagh have emerged from the blocks with a point to prove after a disastrous 2011. With everyone now united behind Canavan they have picked up four wins from four and could open clear daylight at the top with another two points on Sunday. The home side will need to close down ace marksman Seamus Quigley to cause an upset. Quigley not only provides a physical presence but he also possesses the deft touches and skill to rack up big totals. One of the O’Gorman twins will probably take up the important task of putting the shackles on him. In defence Fermanagh have established a mean streak where Niall Bogue, All Star Barry Owens and Ryan McCloskey all operate. Clare, Tyrone and Fermanagh are the only the teams not to concede a goal in this year’s league campaign.

Waterford surprised many by disposing of Wicklow with a degree of comfort in Aughrim. The return of Mark Fercombe coincided with a four goal burst that blew their hosts out of the water. The confidence and swagger that the Ballinacourty attacker displays makes him one of the top finishers in the county and John Owens will hope for another goal scoring contribution from him this weekend. Another crucial factor will be the input of Gary Hurney at full forward especially if he comes up against Barry Owens. The two time All Star is likely to pick up the Waterford captain and whoever comes out on top in this duel may tilt the balance towards their side.

In last year’s Division 3 campaign, Waterford presented a formidable challenge on home turf especially against the likes of Limerick and Louth. If they can negate the threat of Quigley, Fermanagh will struggle to find another reliable source of scores. They should also gain belief from their unlikely success in Aughrim but they will again need to raise a couple of green flags to keep the show on the road. Division 4 usually takes some twists and turns before the promotion issue is settled and Waterford can emerge in a tight finish this weekend to open up this year’s race.

National Football League Division 4
Waterford v Fermanagh
Throw in 1.00 at Fraher Field
Referee: Jer Lynch

Betting:
Waterford 5/4 Draw 15/2 Fermanagh 4/5