Moate manager happy with players’ response in second half

Moate All Whites manager Val Daly agreed that his side’s more clinical finishing was a key ingredient in defeating Athlone in last Saturday’s Westmeath SFC quarter-final.

“There was a wind there, which was a big factor in the game. We had it in the first half and, to be honest with you, we were disappointed that we didn't make more use of it. There was very little in it at half time, but Athlone looked to be in control,” Val told the Westmeath Independent afterwards.

“But in fairness to our lads, I suppose you have to give them credit, they fought in the second half, and they gave themselves a fighting chance, and when the goal chances came, they took them which was probably the difference.”

Having scored four goals in the group game against Athlone, Moate managed to repeat the feat when the sides met in knockout combat. Tobby Conteh scored the crucial fourth goal last weekend, with Harry Niall, Dylan Nulty and Darragh Delaney also raising green flags.

“Look, on that day (the group match) we were trying to correct a mediocre first half and we did that, and today we also had to correct a mediocre first half, but you don't get away with that all the time. We need to be able to play both halves right to the finish to give ourselves a fair chance; other than that, you're gambling,” said Daly.

Westmeath player Robbie Forde had very noticeable strapping on his right leg during last Saturday’s contest and was less influential than usual, but Daly was pleased that he got through the game.

“Robbie tweaked a muscle at training during the week, let's call it that. It's nothing serious, but he had to get a bit of strapping on to give him a bit of help and a bit of protection,” said Daly.

“He got through the game and he contributed, so that's great. We'll have a break now to get our injuries right and to get focused for the semi-final.”

Asked about any other injury concerns, Daly said that this year’s Westmeath U20 goalkeeper James Mitchell remains on the sidelines. Mitchell, who started in goals for the Westmeath seniors against Monaghan in the All-Ireland series this year, can also operate as an outfield player.

“Unfortunately, James Mitchell looks to be a lot more long-term than we'd hoped for, so we have what we're going to have now,” said Daly.

“Don't forget, this is our third weekend in a row to be playing. All teams were facing the third weekend in a row, and it's hard to do that. We freshened up the team today and the players who came off the bench gave us a huge lift as well. Some of them won vital ball and that helped us to get the win,” he continued.

The former Galway star agreed that the victory over traditional rivals Athlone in a knockout game should instil confidence in the team.

“With all due respect to Athlone, they played really well and they took it to us. They looked like they were dominating us for long stages, but in fairness to the lads, they rolled up the sleeves in the second half and eventually won the game. I thought we looked fresher in the last five or ten minutes, fresher on the field,” remarked Daly.

“There are a lot of good young lads coming through in Moate. We've got to a semi-final and we're hoping to acquit ourselves well. There's a future there for these lads if they realise the future is there for them. They're the ones that have to take direction and coaching, and to work hard. Hopefully they will get a deserved reward. But unless they put in the hard work, they'll get nothing,” continued the Carmelite College alumnus.

As for the upcoming semi-final against reigning champions The Downs (September 26, TEG Cusack Park), Daly remarked that any opponent at this stage would be a formidable proposition.

“They're all tough and, you know, that's part of the Gaelic games, part of football. Look, we're just going to give it an honest effort and see where it brings us,” added Daly.