Football

Ulster SFC: Monaghan v Fermanagh - how the Farney rated

Monaghan proved too strong for Fermanagh in Saturday's Ulster SFC quarter-final in Clones. Picture by Philip Walsh
Monaghan proved too strong for Fermanagh in Saturday's Ulster SFC quarter-final in Clones. Picture by Philip Walsh Monaghan proved too strong for Fermanagh in Saturday's Ulster SFC quarter-final in Clones. Picture by Philip Walsh

Rory Beggan: Came under a bit of pressure on his kick-outs in the second half but remained calm. 6.5

Kieran Duffy: It was his forward dart that led to the game’s only goal. Saw his shot brilliantly saved by McNally but McCarron finished the job. Kept McGurn on the back foot. 7.5

Conor Boyle: See Star Man

Dessie Ward: Went on Kelm and pushed him back when he could. Scored a first half point. 7

Ryan Wylie: Tenacious display from the Farney captain. Kept Ciaran Corrigan quiet and burst forward as often as possible. 7.5

Karl O’Connell: Turnovers, interceptions, some quality passing, a brilliant brave block to stop Donnelly’s goalbound shot and a beautiful second half score. A good day’s work. 8

Ryan McAnespie: Relentless running as always, and linked play well. 7

Darren Hughes: Started at midfield and drifted back into a sweeping role until injury forced him off before half-time. 6.5

Killian Lavelle: Big, strong and quick. A very impressive Ulster Championship debut. 7.5

Stephen O’Hanlon: Gave the ball away a couple of times. Relatively quiet before being replaced. 6

Conor McCarthy: Well shackled by Cain McManus and, bar a converted first half mark, very quiet. 6

Miceal Bannigan: His physical development is clear to see, and his power posed Fermanagh all kinds of bother, particularly in the first half. 7.5

Aaron Mulligan: Has a bit of Paul Finlay about him. Calm and classy on his Championship debut, landed scores in both halves. 7.5

Jack McCarron: Grabbed the crucial goal but quiet after the break. Eventually withdrawn. 7

Conor McManus: Looked sharp, though Cassidy coped pretty well with his threat. The injury suffered late on is cause for major concern. 7

Substitutes

Niall Kearns: Replaced the injured Hughes and impressed. Could have gone for goal just after half-time but took easy option of a point. 7

Colin Walshe: From sticky man-marker to target man, Walshe replaced McCarron in the square and looked like he’d played there all his life, landing two points. 7.5

Shane Carey: Worked hard. 6.5

Kieran Hughes: Only on for 10 minutes but still found time for a trademark outside of the boot pass, even if it was across the full-back line. 7

Fintan Kelly: Not on long enough to be rated

Karl McMenamin: Not on long enough to be rated

STAR MAN

Conor Boyle

OUTMUSCLED by Quigley for an early score but front foot defending and regular forward bursts continually caught Fermanagh unawares. An all-action performance that set the tone for Monaghan throughout. 8