Westmeath senior footballers championship odyssey continues apace following a six point All-Ireland qualifier series victory over Limerick in Cusack Park on Saturday night.
The result lifted the mood of the home supporters in attendance following the provincial semi-final loss suffered by the Westmeath minors, the hosts losing out to Dublin, providing a stirring first half display in the process.
As Westmeath take one step closer towards the Super 8s, a third consecutive home fixture awaits on Saturday evening when Clare are the visitors to Cusack Park for a third qualifying round knockout fixture.
Fresh from victories over Division 4 Munster opposition in Waterford and Limerick, the Lake County will have to raise their performance level to advance as Clare plied their football trade in a superior league echelon, prior to their provincial championship semi-final loss to Kerry, a mere six points being the Kingdom’s winning margin on that particular day.
Having attained opening qualifier series success over Leitrim, Clare will look upon their Midlands journey as one with positive potential, but Westmeath, flush from consecutive Munster scalps, will be equally enthusiastic with regard to the challenge which awaits on Saturday evening.
Having tasted just two competitive defeats this calendar year, Jack Cooney’s charges possess reserves of playing confidence and with scoring talisman continuing to effect the scoreboard, ably assisted by a cohesive team unit, a win is most definitely within the Lake County’s capabilities come the shrill of the final whistle.
Returning to the weekend’s sporting endeavours, Garrycastle clubman, James Dolan, scored the vital breakthrough goal against Limerick as the first half reached its conclusion and when Joe Halligan finished to the net upon the resumption an extensive winning margin seemed likely.
Mindset momentum was not maintained however, Limerick reducing the arrears as the game progressed and it is this particular aspect of the contest which Cooney and his management team will be focussing upon in the quick turn around between championship contests.
Should an achievable win be garnered on Saturday evening, a sole All-Ireland qualifying fixture, with opposition to be provided by one of the four losing provincial finalists, Cork, Galway, Cavan or Meath, would be the reward.
