Westmeath 1-19
Monaghan 2-11
If they’re not careful Westmeath might just upset the pundits and avoid the drop to division three. Certainly anyone who witnessed this impressive performance on home soil would be slow to write off their chances with two rounds still remaining. Kildare away and Derry at home are their remaining fixtures and a win in either would secure division two status.
Monaghan were warm favourites to collect both points on offer but the home side showed admirable spirit and composure not to mention great score-taking to run out deserving winners.
1-18 of the total came from play as the Monaghan defence had no answer to the speed and skill of Ger Egan and the two Glennons in a red-hot Westmeath attack. It is a long time since a Westmeath team racked up such a score and was hugely refreshing to witness.
Kieran Gavin led by example at full back in a defence which frustrated the Monaghan attack time and time again despite leading 2-11. Heslin and Bannon held sway for long periods in midfield and kept the supply lines open for the in-form forward unit.
Monaghan who had kicked 2-24 the previous week at home to Louth looked rudderless and flat much to the disappointment of their sizable travelling support. They looked like a side who had underestimated Flanagan’s men and paid the price for doing so.
Westmeath travel to Newbridge this Sunday where the Lilywhites await. Newbridge is a difficult place to get a result but when one considers that Monaghan have already beaten McGeeney’s side there is no reason why we can’t do likewise. If Flanagan can get his men to play with the same flair as last Sunday they have to be in with a shout.
