WESTMEATH 0-11 DUBLIN 0-22
RONAN FAGAN
A monumental playing task it appeared prior to throw in, Westmeath’s provincial progress quest was abruptly halted on the vast green swathe of O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, on Saturday evening, as six in a row All-Ireland senior football aspirants Dublin, dominated scoreboard proceedings, attaining a merited victory in this Leinster championship quarter final fixture.
Displaying admirable attitude during proceedings, Westmeath nullified the goal threat of the Metropolitans and with a defensive minded game plan to the fore, stemmed an incessant blue wave towards goal, the reigning All-Ireland champions reduced to points from distance as they sought to ward off the Lake County competitive challenge.
The nuances which have exalted Dublin to such playing heights were evident when in possession and their ability to limit Westmeath forays into their defensive unit proved wholly detrimental to the Lake County’s green flag cause.
To Westmeath’s immense credit, the quality of point scoring from distance was of a high standard, Athlone clubman, Ray Connellan, raising a creditable white flag with an angled strike following a well worked team move as the first half elapsed.
This point reduced the interval deficit to nine points (0-15 to 0-6 ) and a cohesive second moiety performance from Westmeath, during which Rosemount clubman, Boidu Sayeh, performend with aplomb, ensured that Jack Cooney’s charges were only outscored by a mere two points as Dublin expectedly advanced to the semi-final of the Leinster championship.
Their competitive playing action now ceased for the calendar year, Westmeath will reflect upon a season when the ultimate goal of retaining Allianz National Football League Division 2 status was secured.
Such an achievement will prove wholly beneficial prior to the start of Championship 2021 and should the provincial draw prove be favourable, an air of optimism can filter among management and the playing squad as Westmeath strive to attain a bright future, one which will inspire the future playing generations.
