Finally something for Westmeath football folk to celebrate. Promotion back up to division two secured, thanks to a nail-biting win over Offaly, and a division three final in Croke Park on Saturday week to look forward to. After a slow start to the campaign the achievement is all the sweeter. Pat Flanagan and his team deserve credit for stopping the rot and getting us back to where I feel we ought to be, in the second tier.
Next year we will be testing ourselves against the likes of Monaghan and Galway who were both relegated from division one as well as Tyrone, Meath, Kildare, Derry, and Louth. Plenty of quality opposition there to pit ourselves against, and some mouth-watering clashes to look forward to in 2012.
Last Sunday’s win over neighbours Offaly threw up plenty of positives while at the same time leaving Pat Flanagan with plenty of issues to address before the decider and the upcoming Leinster championship.
Any day you kick 19 points you are in with a great chance of winning. Particularly in the opening half Westmeath’s forward line led by Dessie, Denis, and Paul Greville tormented the Offaly defence, kicking 12 points and having a goal disallowed. The loss of Glennon through injury after 27 minutes didn’t help the Westmeath cause but it’s a good sign that they managed to win without him. He will be needed against Louth however if we are to exact revenge for our heavy opening round defeat at the hands of the Wee County.
One wonders how we would cope if Dessie was unavailable. It’s not by chance that Westmeath’s return to winning ways coincided with his return to action. He has been on fire and as well as putting scores on the board he is providing leadership up front.
Paul Greville played his best game of the year so far in Cusack Park last Sunday which is another positive. James Dolan showed great speed and vision when introduced at wing forward. Fergal Wilson, who has had more than his share of injuries over the years, marked his introduction by kicking the vital last point. Hopefully he can remain injury free for the remainder of the year and further strengthen our options up front.
Midfield enjoyed periods of dominance with Denis Corroon in particular catching the eye. They did however fade out at various stages particularly in the final quarter and we will need to be more consistent in this sector going forward.
The backline were caught napping as Bernard Allen twice found the net but redeemed themselves with some heroic defending in the closing stages.
Offaly supporters were none too pleased when referee Martin Sludden waved play on following a hefty challenge on Niall McNamee deep into injury time with Westmeath hanging on to a one point lead. A draw would have seen Tom Cribben’s men promoted but in truth the home side were deserving winners over the 70 minutes.
Louth had three points to spare over Waterford. Their form has certainly dipped since their opening round trouncing of Westmeath. This time around things are sure to be a lot tighter and while the bookies have Westmeath as slight favourites they will need to have a full hand to pick from and to continue to show improvement if we are to lift the silverware.
