Westmeath minors set for winner takes all Meath clash

Westmeath minor football manager Eoghan Kevlihan said he was proud of the character shown by his players, despite last week's eventual defeat to Kildare.

Kevlihan feels the players have shown enough qualities to compete at the top level.

Following the defeat to Kildare in Kinnegad, the manager was quick to look ahead to the crucial game against Meath at TEG Cusack Park tomorrow (Saturday, throw-in 4pm) which will decide their future in the competition.

A win will see Westmeath qualify for a preliminary quarter-final but if they lose, they're out.

“It’s down to a knock-out game against Meath on Saturday and our players showed this evening that they are capable of playing at this level. We know we have the quality and intensity to compete at the top table. We have to take confidence from this; we are not far off it,” he remarked.

“It’s really important that we get a good start and build on that; last week (losing to Louth having led by five points late on) was gut-wrenching,” said Kevlihan, who felt his side needed to manage the game better in the loss to Louth.

While Kildare were able to summon some strong players off the bench as the game progressed, Westmeath did not have the same luxury and being without suspended duo Adam Smyth (Maryland/Tang) and Andrew Henson (Garrycastle) was a definite blow.

“We were down two players, but we are back to full strength now for what is a big game in TEG Cusack Park and that’s what you play football for,” observed Kevlihan.

There was a big level of support for a Westmeath minor side that has worked extremely had for several months now and the performance left many feeling proud as they left the Coralstown/Kinnegad GAA grounds.

Coiste na nÓg Chairman Barry Kelly paid tribute to all involved in hosting the game at the impressive floodlit venue and said he hopes to see a big crowd in TEG Cusack Park on Saturday.