RONAN FAGAN
A sixth consecutive victory over Leinster rivals Laois ensured Westmeath continued their positive start to their Allianz National League Division 3 campaign.
Having defeated Wicklow in their opening encounter, Westmeath journeyed to O’Moore Park in Portlaoise on Sunday afternoon aspiring for consecutive wins to strengthen promotion claims as the Lake County aspire towards a swift return to the higher echelons of league football.
With a chill wind prevalent, conditions were not conducive to free flowing football but to their credit both teams served up a competitive contest, Westmeath’s six point win a deserved reward for their on field exploits over the 70 minute duration.
A ninth minute Luke Loughlin goal has Westmeath in the opening quarter ascendancy, but Laois soon retrieved the deficit and were to the scoreboard fore at the end of what was a low scoring first half.
Caulry club player Conor McCormack swiftly levelled proceedings for Westmeath in the second half as both teams strived to achieve in game momentum and impose their superiority on the fixture.
Points continued to be exchanged and it was not until the 55th minute of the contest that a scoring gap emerged when scores from Garrycastle club player Alex Gardiner and the imperious John Heslin saw Westmeath enjoy a three point lead.
The Westmeath lead was maintained during the final ten minutes of play as the Lake County defence held firm, the brace of league points secured when substitute, Kieran Martin powered through the Laois defence, clinically finishing to the net much to the delight of the strong Westmeath support in attendance.
Two consecutive victories, both achieved through sheer commitment to the Westmeath cause and playing a brand of football which is achieving the end goal gives fresh hope for the remainder of the league campaign.
With no league fixture this weekend, management will be eager to allow playing personnel adequate time to recharge as both fixtures were played on rain sodden pitches which certainly zapped the energy levels.
Westmeath host Longford in TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar, on Sunday week and sealing a third consecutive league victory will cement the Lake County’s position at the summit of the division with four games remaining to play.
