Allianz National League
Down v Westmeath
Saturday 9th February 2019 at 7pm
Pairc Esler
Down head into this weekend’s National League fixture vs Westmeath riding the crest of a wave following last week’s narrow win against Sligo writes Sean Forsythe.
Down snatched victory from the jaws of defeat last week in Collooney as a goal from Caolan Mooney secured the county’s first win in the league this season and second in all competitions this year.
The Mournemen will be out to prove last week’s result was anything but a flash in the pan as they seek to put together a strong league campaign this year under the new management. New Down manager Paddy Tally will be hoping to secure his first home league win in charge of Down having been beaten by Laois in Week 1. He will be greatly encouraged by his side’s display of resilience, fortitude and determination last Sunday which saw them rewarded with the vital win at the end.
In Tally’s way stands a Westmeath side who have made a strong start to the league so far having won one match and drawn one and are as yet unbeaten. This is a record Tally’s men will be hoping to change come Saturday night.
In week one Westmeath overcame Offaly by a single point whilst they were able to secure a draw last weekend against current League leaders Carlow. Westmeath saw their captain Kieran Martin sent off in that fixture last week, however, he will be free to play this weekend having received two yellows as opposed to a straight red.
A win for Down would take them above this weekend’s opposition in the League standings and would significantly strengthen their chances of promotion. Promotion has been proven to be a rare thing for Down in recent seasons having sampled the bitter taste of relegation in two of the last three seasons.
Down were last promoted in 2015 which incidentally was also the last time they faced Westmeath in a League Campaign. On that day, Down were the victors in Mullingar by a scoreline of 0-10 to 2-17.
The Counties have not met in the league. However, since Down will be very much hoping for a similar result this Saturday in Newry as they push for Division two football next year.
