One change to Westmeath team for clash with Down

The Westmeath team has been named for the Allianz Football League Division 3 clash with Down in Páirc Esler, Newry tomorrow (Saturday) at 7pm.

There is one change to the team from last weekend's draw against Carlow, with Jamie Gonoud making his first start of the season at centre-back. The Moate CS teacher has returned to action from injury in recent weeks. Finbar Coyne, scorer of Westmeath's goal against Carlow, is not included among the starting XV.

Gonoud's inclusion sees Athlone's Noel Mulligan moved to midfield where he will be partnered by Denis Corroon.

Tommy McDaniel and Luke Loughlin, both of whom made a notable impact when introduced in the opening round win over Offaly, are again held in reserve as they were for last Saturday's game against Carlow.

John Heslin and Kevin Maguire recently returned to training with Westmeath and could be included among the substitutes. 

Down defeated Sligo last weekend having lost to Laois in their opening league fixture. Caolan Mooney scored the winning goal in added time as the Mourne men claimed a 1-12 to 1-10 victory over Sligo.

Meanwhile, the Westmeath ladies face Cork in Division 1 of the Lidl National Football League on Sunday, with TEG Cusack Park confirmed as the venue (throw-in 2pm). Westmeath recorded an impressive win over Monaghan in their opening league game last weekend.

Westmeath SF team (v Down):

1. Eoin Carberry (Rosemount)
2. Killian Daly (Mullingar Shamrocks)
3. Ronan Wallace (Multyfarnham)
4. Boidu Sayeh (Rosemount)
5. David Lynch (St. Malachy's)
6. Jamie Gonoud (Tyrrellspass)
7. James Dolan (Garrycastle)
8. Denis Corroon (Mullingar Shamrocks)
9. Noel Mulligan (Athlone)
10. Ronan O'Toole (St. Loman's Mullingar)
11. Callum McCormack (Maryland)
12. Ger Egan (Tyrrellspass)
13. Kieran Martin (Maryland, captain)
14. Joe Halligan (Milltown)
15. Sam Duncan (Milltownpass)