Positivity remains to the fore within the Westmeath senior football camp following a character laden comeback win against neighbours Offaly in the opening round of the Allianz National Football League Division 3 on Sunday afternoon in O’Connor Park, Tullamore.
Recently appointed captain, Maryland clubman, Kieran Martin, acored the vital winning score with full time imminent to ensure a winning start for Westmeath who remain undefeated in competitive action this season.
Fresh from their O’Byrne Cup success, the Lake County made a ponderous start to the contest and playing against the elements, were six points adrift of John Maughan’s charges before scorer in chief Ger Egan kicked Westmeath’s opening point.
Westmeath failed to gain any scoring momentum as the second half commenced and when Offaly stretched the lead out to eight points, the prospect of an opening day league win began to look distant.
However, as the collective team unit has displayed in recent fixtures, character proved key, with successive scores reeling in the Offaly lead before Martin sealed a momentum maintaining minimum win with a score from distance to annex the brace of league points.
A home fixture at TEG Cusack Park awaits on Saturday afternoon (throw in 3pm ) as Carlow journey to Mullingar for the second round of divisional fixtures. Carlow claimed an opening day victory over Sligo and will prove a stern test for Westmeath as they seek to maintain their loss free start to the senior football season.
