Galway survive Westmeath fightback

Full-time in Salthill and Galway have survived a Westmeath fightback to win by 3-21 to 2-21.

It was a heroic effort by Westmeath. Jack Duncan fisted home a goal and Ronan Wallace, Robbie Forde and Sam McCartan kickied two-pointers.

Ultimately the concession of two cheap first half goals proved very costly, while four two-pointer efforts went wide with conditions in our favour.

But there are huge positives for Mark McHugh as Westmeath face into next weekend's clash with Kerry, Monaghan or Meath.

McHugh said he is very proud of the battling qualities his players showed.

He felt Westmeath could have stolen a result at the end, but Galway were worthy winners.

He said Westmeath will learn from the experience and have lots to work on for the future.

The concession of the third goal before half-time was crucial, he felt, but he acknowledged the superiority of Galway on the day: "We will learn from this; we dropped three balls short in the first half and 1-3 came off it.

"Decision making in the heat of the moment is something we can improve on."