Offaly lose out despite fine display in first half

GAA: Allianz Football League Division 3

Westmeath 2-12 Offaly 0-12

Offaly's winning sequence in Division 3 of the Allianz Football League was ended by neighbours Westmeath at TEG Cusack Park this afternoon (Sunday).

Offaly had claimed victories over Antrim and Fermanagh in their first two games to leave them joint top of the table, but they were unable to build on a promising first-half display in Mullingar.

Not for the first time, Kieran Martin produced a vital goal off the bench for Westmeath. With the sides level at 1-8 to 0-11 in this local derby, Martin struck in the 61st minute by flicking John Heslin's delivery from a free to the Offaly net.

The goal swung the game decisively in Westmeath's favour, though the final scoreline undoubtedly flatters the winners.

Having been assisted by the fresh breeze, Offaly led by 0-7 to 1-2 at half-time, despite Westmeath being boosted by an early goal from a penalty. A well worked move led to a foul on Jack Smith from Offaly goalie Ian Duffy. After Duffy was sent to the sin bin on a black card, Heslin slotted the penalty past sub goalie Corey White (with Tubber's Bernard Allen briefly taken off in the reshuffle).

Westmeath were unable to exploit having an extra man for ten minutes and with Anton Sullivan and Dylan Hyland hitting some splendid scores, Offaly built a 0-7 to 1-1 lead.

The visitors were showing plenty of hunger for the battle and their defence was frustrating Westmeath's attacking efforts. In stoppage time, Ray Connellan posted Westmeath's first score from play - a boost for the hosts moments before the interval.

Offaly went further ahead early in the second half with two more frees from Hyland, but Dessie Dolan's men gradually built momentum. And points from Ronan O'Toole, Conor McCormack, Heslin (free) and Luke Loughlin ('45') eventually levelled matters.

Liam Kearns' charges went back in front on two occasions before Senan Baker brought Westmeath level once more. Martin then made his telling contribution, before points from Heslin (free), Martin (via the crossbar), O'Toole and substitute Stephen Smith increased Westmeath's lead.

The impressive Anton Sullivan - the Rhode man scored four points from play - continued to carry the fight to Westmeath, but Offaly were unable to really threaten the home side's lead in the closing stages.

SCORERS - Westmeath: J Heslin 1-4 (1-0pen, 0-4f); K Martin 1-1; R O'Toole 0-2; R Connellan, C McCormack, S Baker, L Loughlin ('45') and S Smith 0-1 each. Offaly: D Hyland 0-6 (3f, 1 '45'); A Sullivan 0-4; C McNamee and N Dunne (f) 0-1 each.

Westmeath: Jason Daly; Jack Smith, Kevin Maguire, Nigel Harte; David Lynch, James Dolan, Sam McCartan; Sam Duncan, Ray Connellan; Senan Baker, Ronan O'Toole, Conor McCormack; Lorcan Dolan, John Heslin, Luke Loughlin. Subs used: Daniel Scahill for Smith (inj., 26 mins); Conor Dillon for Lynch (h-t); Kieran Martin for L Dolan (49); Stephen Smith for Loughlin (54); Andy McCormack for Baker (69).

Offaly: Ian Duffy; Ciaran Donnelly, Declan Hogan, David Dempsey; Rory Egan, Peter Cunningham, Lee Pearson; Jack McEvoy, Conor McNamee; Cian Donohoe, Ruairí McNamee, Bill Carroll; Bernard Allen, Anton Sullivan, Dylan Hyland. Subs used: Corey White for Allen (4 mins); Bernard Allen for White (15); Nigel Dunne for Allen (h-t); Joe Maher for Carroll (52); Cian Farrell for Pearson (69).

Referee: David Coldrick (Meath).