Experience could be the key factor for champions

After waiting 22 years for their second SFC title in 1994, Seneschalstown are now on the verge of a third Keegan Cup in four years as they prepare to tackle Skryne in what promises to be an intriguing showdown at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday, 3.30. The defending champions have only four crowns in their closet compared to Skryne's 12, but with titles in 2007 and 2009 there can be no denying that Seneschalstown will be the red-hot favourites on Sunday. Skryne have a proud tradition in Meath football. They are second only to Navan O'Mahonys in terms of titles won and they have also appeared in countless finals. The last Keegan Cup win was in 2004, so the taste of success is still fresh and they are hungry for more. On the current formbook there can only be one winner, with Skryne's progression through the year far more impressive than Seneschalstown. However, it is well documented that in football, the formbook counts for nothing. Seneschalstown have been surviving by the skin of their teeth for two years, but when the going gets tough they know how to get a job done. Their march to the title last year was more of a stumble into the knock-out stages followed by a sprint to the finish line. There was no need for a mathematician to work out the permutations for success this year ahead of the final series as Seneschalstown knew their fate before the game against Walterstown, but their group campaign was less than impressive, just as it had been in 2009. Defeats by Rathkenny and Walterstown, two of the teams that had contested the previous year's relegation play-offs, indicated that all was not well with Seneschalstown and their third place finish, just a point ahead of Blackhall Gaels, left Damien Sheridan's side facing a re-match of the 2009 SFC final against Wolfe Tones. The 2-12 to 2-7 win over Wolfe Tones in the last eight underlined recent trends. Seneschalstown were back on form. However, the level of performance against Rathkenny in the semi-final dipped below par again. Seneschalstown struggled to overcome Rathkenny and once again gave the impression that they may be running on empty. Skryne can take confidence from the fact that Seneschalstown's performance was not very good. Skryne must also be cautious because the champions showed their true spirit and eked out the win. That character, togetherness, hunger and passion has epitomised Seneschalstown over the last few years. They have mixed those attributes with a mental and physical toughness and plenty of enduring skill and panache, all of which points to another big day for the Yellow Furze side. Seneschalstown like to play simple football. They work the ball from defence and deliver long, quality ball to their target man at full-forward. That target man is invariably either Brian or Joe Sheridan. Joe Sheridan is probably the best player in the country at that role. He has a unique ability to win dropping ball and has a lethal strike that will punish most goalkeepers. If for some reason Joe Sheridan is off the boil, Seneschalstown can deploy Brian Sheridan or Robert Ruddy in that role. Skryne have been susceptible to conceding goals. They have let in 12 goals in seven games and that is something Seneschalstown will look to exploit. Four of those goals came against Trim in round four and they have yet to keep a clean sheet. They conceded goals against Simonstown, St Patrick's, Wolfe Tones, Dunboyne (four in two games) and Donaghmore/Ashbourne. The Tara men have scored 9-80 from their seven games, while Seneschalstown's tally amounts to 7-60. It is in the scores against column that shows why Skryne might be in trouble. The 12-55 conceded by Skryne compares to the 4-70 for Seneschalstown. Skryne will need to tighten up defensively. They have plenty of talented defenders in Ciaran Lenehan, James Hegarty, James Looby and Andrew Curry, but it will be their ability, or lack of it, to cope with the long ball tactic that will decide the outcome. Lenehan is one of the county's most exciting young players and Sunday's game is a massive stage for him. He could find himself deployed in a deeper role than normal in an effort to counteract Joe Sheridan or whoever occupies the full-forward position. If Skryne can hold the much-vaunted Seneschalstown attack then they will have a great chance. Mark Battersby has bounced back from serious injury to have a superb year and with Meath goalkeeper Paddy O'Rourke showing his skills as an outfield player Skryne will have plenty of scoring chances. Trevor Giles could be the key to a Skryne victory. If he can get on the ball then he will punish Seneschalstown. His ability to pick out a match-winning pass or break up a counter-attack will be crucial. There is sure to be very little between the sides. Last year's meeting when Seneschalstown coasted to an easy win in the quarter-finals will count for nothing. However, the key ingredient could be experience and with Seneschalstown appearing in their third final in four years they are nominated to hold onto the title.