Westmeath move closer to promotion with Down draw

Allianz Football League Division 3

Westmeath 0-13 Down 1-10

Westmeath maintained their unbeaten record in Division 3 with this exciting draw with Down at TEG Cusack Park yesterday, thereby moving a step closer to promotion.

The result means that if Westmeath avoid defeat to Sligo in their last game at Markievicz Park next Sunday, they will secure promotion to Division 2 for the 2025 season.

But a defeat to Sligo combined with a Clare win over Down in Newry would see Westmeath miss out. Those two results would see Clare top the table and Down finish ahead of Westmeath on scoring difference.

A victory for Westmeath against Down would have sealed promotion with a game to spare, but they are still in a very good position. And considering the calibre of opposition and the number of players missing, this was surely Westmeath's best performance of the league campaign thus far, despite it being the only game they didn't win.

When Down's Daniel Guinness struck for a 43rd-minute goal, Westmeath faced an uphill task as it left them four points in arrears (1-5 to 0-4). In a game where no more than two points had separated the sides up to that stage, it looked like a lead that might prove decisive.

However, Dessie Dolan's charges showed admirable resolve and three points on the trot from Ronan O'Toole, impressive substitute Robbie Forde and Luke Loughlin left the minimum between them.

Further points from Kieran Martin, sub Matthew Whittaker and Ray Connellan (a majestic score) brought Westmeath level by the 58th minute (0-10 to 1-7).

Down responded with points from the influential Odhran Murdock and Ryan Johnston, and the Mourne men looked the more likely winners at this stage.

Loughlin (a free) and Forde brought Westmeath level once again, before Loughlin sent over a superb point to put the home side in front. Ultimately, Down defender Ryan MvEvoy earned the visitors a share of spoils when he came forward and guided over a 69th-minute equaliser in composed fashion.

The first half was a cagey affair with both sides finding scores hard to come by and Down led by 0-4 to 0-3 at half-time, having played with the wind. Given that Down are the joint highest scorers across all four divisions, Westmeath had cause to be pleased with restricting them to such a scoreline, albeit the visitors were wasteful with scoring chances.

The second period was far more entertaining as the game opened up. The contest finished in a welter of excitement with both sides having chances to win it, though Down exerted more pressure in added time.

Scorers - Westmeath: R Forde 0-4 (2f); L Loughlin 0-3 (2f); J Lynam, J Dolan, R O’Toole, K Martin, M Whittaker, R Connellan 0-1 each. Down: P Havern 0-4 (3f); D Guinness 1-0; J Guinness, D Magill, C Doherty, O Murdock, R Johnston, R McEvoy 0-1 each.

Westmeath: Jason Daly; James Dolan, Kevin Maguire, Daniel Scahill; Sam McCartan, David Lynch, Nigel Harte; Ray Connellan, Andy McCormack; Jonathan Lynam, Ronan O'Toole, Conor Dillon; Luke Loughlin, Kieran Martin, Danny McCartan. Subs: Robbie Forde for D McCartan (inj., 5 mins); Matthew Whittaker for Lynam (h-t); Eoin Mulvihill for Dillon (50), Stephen Smith for Martin (64), Shane Allen for Harte (69).

Down: John O’Hare; Miceal Rooney, Pierce Laverty, Ryan McEvoy; Danny Magill, Peter Fegan, Daniel Guinness; Pat Havern, Odhran Murdock; Niall McParland, James Guinness, Ceilum Doherty; Liam Kerr, Ryan Johnston, Caolan Mooney. Subs: Jonny Flynn for McParland (h-t); Andrew Gilmore for Mooney (inj., 42 mins), Shane Annett for J Guinness (46); Conor Francis for Magill (58); Rory Mason for Johnston (69).

Referee: James Molloy (Galway).