WESTMEATH 1-9 DOWN 0-13
A relegation play-off awaits the Westmeath senior footballers following the completion of their Allianz National Football League Division 2 North round robin fixtures on Sunday afternoon.
Defeat to Down, Westmeath’s third consecutive loss, ensures a trip to Pairc Ui Chaoimh and a play-off fixture with Cork. A win would confirm Division 2 status for the 2022 league campaign while a defeat would relegate the Lake County to a Division 3 berth.
A first half performance laden with lethargy culminated in the hosts striving to retrieve a six point deficit as Down attained possession and scoreboard supremacy during the opening moiety, Corey Quinn being the scorer in chief for the dominant Ulster team.
The visitor’s lead was increased upon the resumption of play and when Westmeath’s Ronan O’Toole received a black card one minute later, the remainder of the contest appeared ominous for Westmeath.
Momentarily blunted, the home team swiftly rallied and when substitute Fola Ayorinde raised a green flag at the midway point of the second half it was the impetus needed as Westmeath sought to retrieve the deficit.
Three goal chances were spurned in quick succession, the most notable being a missed John Heslin penalty which would have placed Westmeath in a strong scoreline position entering the final ten minutes of the contest.
Momentum was now with the home team and a sustained period of possession resulted in three successive Lake County points to leave the minimum between the teams as eight minutes of stoppage time were announced.
A boost to the score retrieval cause, stoppage time was not to yield a levelling score, the best opportunity falling to Denis Corroon who saw his pointed attempt sail narrowly wide.
As the Westmeath players and management gathered on the vast green swathe of TEG Cusack Park post game, initial thoughts would have been afforded to a first half which was devoid of the playing intensity level required at this level.
The second half performance provided a modicum of hope for the challenge which awaits in Cork on Saturday week, June 12 (2pm throw-in ) with the obvious aim being the retention of current division status.
Achieving a victory over Cork would certainly provide a confidence and momentum boost as thoughts turn towards the Leinster senior football championship date with Laois.
A positive result is attainable and despite three successive competitive losses, Westmeath can return from Leeside with the necessary win and a more promising outlook as preparations escalate prior to championship throw-in.
