Fermanagh can turn it around

Fermanagh v Kildare:(Sunaday, Croke Park 2pm) FERMANAGH SHOULDN'T be in the position of having to play this match, instead celebrating a first ever Ulster football title. They dominated possession for a game and a half against Armagh but learned a painful lesson in failing to translate it into scores.

There was much to admire in the manner in which Fermanagh came roaring back in the drawn game to a point where they should have won.

They play an energetic, athletic brand of football but have suffered from a meagre end product: goals and points.

There is a direct correlation between confidence and ability to kick frees. Missing easy opportunities is draining emotionally and also encourages the opposition, who know that fouling might not bring the ultimate punishment.

Fermanagh need to find a solution. It's not about kicking placed balls from 45 or 50 metres, more about knocking over straightforward chances.

Kildare manager Kieran McGeeney has worked hard on defence, trying to make his side more difficult to score against. While that may have meant sacrificing a little of the flair associated with the previous regime, it's a solid base upon which to build.

The suggestion is that there could be changes from the last day - when they travelled to the Gaelic Grounds and outlasted Limerick - with Michael Conway and Gary Whyte pressing strongly for inclusion from the start.

What Kildare have shown in the last two games is the ability to apply themselves right up until the final whistle.

Some have pointed to the shortcomings of their opponents but that's not a concern for Kildare.

Fermanagh manager Malachy O'Rourke had just six days to turn around a team that suffered the crushing disappointment of the Ulster final replay - disappointment as much from the manner of the loss as from the loss itself.

They will need to settle early and tack on a few points to settle any qualms left over from the last day. It could be a low-scoring game and if that pertains then Kildare will feel they have a chance.

But Fermanagh should win.

Guidelines

In the last episode: The sides have never met before in the championship.

You bet: The bookmakers make Fermanagh odds on favourites at 8/11, with Paddy Power offering an attractive 6/4 against Kildare, who may not have been impressive but understand the value of playing for 70-plus minutes.

On your marks: Fermanagh manager Malachy O'Rourke is challenged with rehabilitating a team that looked thoroughly dispirited by the end of last weekend's Ulster final replay. He'll have emphasised the difference between simply winning possession and translating it into numbers on the scoreboard.

Barry Owens will be a loss.

Gaining ground: Kildare have found themselves second-best against Cavan and Limerick. Against Cavan a late goal guaranteed their progression, while against Limerick they hung tough in the second half and got their reward.

Just the ticket: Admission to Croke Park for today's and tomorrow's matches is by ticket only. Tickets are available from participating county boards, the GAA.ie website and Ticketmaster nationwide.

Ticket outlets on match day are as follows: GAA Ticket Shop, North Circular Road; Bishop's Palace on Drumcondra Road; outside Martin Properties at the Dorset St end of Whitworth Road and also under the railway bridge on the Ballybough Road.

Crystal gazing: Fermanagh outplayed Armagh for a game and a half but learned the rather painful lesson that the ultimate arbiter remains the scoreboard.

Kildare have survived to date on the strength of more earthy qualities alongside the shortcomings of opponents.