Westmeath and Longford U21s to meet again next Wednesday night
By Kieran Galvin
Westmeath will renew rivalry with Longford in the replay of their Leinster U21 FC clash next Wednesday night at Lakepoint Park, Mullingar (throw-in: 7.30pm).
The counties played out an enthralling draw in Newtowncashel last Wednesday night, when even extra-time couldn't separate them.
Tang's John Rock scored an equalising point in injury time at the end of normal time, and substitute Ger Leech drew Westmeath level towards the end of the second period of extra-time. Longford's Barry McKeon was shown a black card towards the end of the first half which proved a significant blow for the home side.
The winners of next Wednesday night's replay will face Laois in the next round on March 5. Laois edged out Wicklow 0-10 to 0-9 at a wintry Baltinglass last Wednesday night. Elsewhere, Offaly had an easy 1-16 to 0-6 victory over Wexford at Taghmon, thereby setting up a quarter-final clash with Kildare.
Meanwhile, Westmeath defeated neighbours Roscommon by 1-15 to 1-8 in a SF challenge at the Clann na nGael grounds last night (Thursday).
Dessie Dolan scored Westmeath's goal while Cathal Cregg found the net for the Rossies, who made a bright start to the game.
The win is a boost for Westmeath ahead of their Allianz Football League Division 1 trip to Derry on Sunday week, March 2. On the same day, Roscommon host Limerick in Division 3 at Dr Hyde Park.
A number of Roscommon players are expected to be involved in the Interprovincial football championship final in Tuam on Sunday (2.30pm). Connacht booked their place in the final with a win over Munster, with Ulster getting the better of Luke Dempsey's Leinster in the other semi-final.
In hurling, the venue for Sunday's Allianz HL Division 3A tie between Roscommon and Monaghan has been changed from Athleague to Woodmount (the Padraig Pearses grounds). The throw-in remains 2pm.
Cadbury's Leinster GAA Under-21 FC Replay
Wednesday 26th February
Cadbury's Leinster GAA Under-21 FC Replay
Lakepoint Park (St Loman's), Mullingar (7.30): Westmeath v Longford, Ref: Fergal Barry (Kildare)
*See next week's Westmeath Independent for a full report on last Wednesday night's U21 clash between Westmeath and Longford.