THERE are few teams in Fermanagh that wouldn’t want Derrygonnelly’s Michael Jones in their defence.

A rock at the heart of the Derrygonnelly rearguard, Jones will once again be key for the Harps as they bid to get their hands on their 11th New York Cup title at Brewster Park on Sunday.

A self-employed plasterer by trade, Jones is one of Fermanagh’s finest defenders and man-markers, bringing a real physical edge to the Derrygonnelly defence.

There is little doubt he will be given the task of keeping one of Erne Gaels’ most dangerous forwards quiet in what promises to be a stern test for Sean Flanagan’s side.

That is no mean feat, with Barry O’Hagan’s Belleek charges blessed with attacking talent.

Their forwards have impressed throughout the league campaign and the early rounds of the championship, and they will be eager to make their mark on the big occasion.

Tenacious at the back

Jones knows all about the demands of defending at the highest level, having made 89 appearances for Fermanagh during his county career.

His performances earned plaudits from a succession of county managers and established him as a dependable presence at the back.

He is far from alone in providing the Harps with defensive strength.

Derrygonnelly have a solid rearguard, with Niall Maguire, Ronan McHugh, Oisin Smyth, Rian McGovern and Gareth McGovern all putting in strong shifts for Flanagan’s side.

The Harps will be aware of the threat posed by Erne Gaels after their meeting in Kinawley, where the Belleek men hit five two-pointers and exposed weaknesses in the Derrygonnelly defence.

Since then, Derrygonnelly have looked more defensively sound, but they will need to bring their best to Brewster Park if they are to contain an Erne Gaels attack capable of punishing any lapses.

The New York Cup decider is likely to place the Harps’ backline under sustained pressure, with Jones and his defensive colleagues facing a demanding afternoon against a dangerous forward unit.

There is little doubt that Derrygonnelly’s defence will be pushed to the pin of its collar.

If Jones and company can limit the influence of Erne Gaels’ attackers and provide a solid platform, it could go a long way towards securing another New York Cup triumph for the Harps.