McCluskey: Fermanagh have 2018 template to turn over Armagh

Fermanagh can upset Armagh in this weekend's Ulster championship clash, but they will need to adopt a defensive display similar to the 2018 display that saw them turn over the Orchard County according to former player Ryan McCluskey.

Six years ago Rory Gallagher was in charge of the Erne County as they advanced to a provincial semi-final at the expense of Kieran McGeeney’s side.

Seamus Quigley’s half a dozen points were key to a five-point victory at Brewster Park, and they enter Sunday’s clash again as underdogs.

Both sides competed in Division 2 this year – Armagh left Enniskillen with two points in March after a hard-fought win - but they ended the campaign at either end of the table; McGeeney’s side finishing in the top two to secure Division 1 football next year, Fermanagh suffering relegation after winning just two matches.

Speaking on the RTÉ GAA podcast, McCluskey says the 2018 performance is one that could be drawn on to help Kieran Donnelly’s men progress.

"We made no bones about it (in 2018)," he said. "We were going to sit back, try and play a high pace, counter-attacking game.

"We forced a lot of mistakes, in particular kicking mistakes from Armagh. We played that risky game where we invited them on and took our chances.

'I think Fermanagh can stifle Armagh. I don't think they have anything to fear' - Ryan McCluskey says his county men will need to be defensively spot on to turn over Kieran McGeeney's side on Sunday