Dolan delighted with impressive Westmeath victory

It was a very satisfied Dessie Dolan who spoke after Westmeath’s victory over Longford at Glennon Brothers, Pearse Park last Sunday.

He admitted to being relieved that his side had bounced back after the defeat by Cavan in round one and it sets them up nicely for a crack at neighbours Offaly on Sunday week in TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar.

“It was a good second half performance. Sometimes a game like that can just open up; they lost their shape altogether and we ran out comfortable winners in the end,” he remarked.

Westmeath looked nervous at times in the first half and trailed the home side before they eventually found their rhythm.

“I was hoping for a response. We had turned over the ball six times in-a-row and we were four points down, but we got three crucial scores before half-time. We had started alright, but there was a period when we lost our way, so that finish (to the half) was important,” noted Dolan.

“Longford would have been tired as they played the O’Byrne Cup and won the final. This is probably their sixth week in-a-row, so that was a factor. I would imagine they will bounce back: Paddy Christie (their manager) is a really good guy.”

Dolan was thrilled with his side’s scoring exploits.

“Last week we were begging for a score and couldn’t get one, but they really flowed today. It just shows you how things can change from one game to the next,” he said.

“We have Offaly coming to Mullingar for the third round (on Sunday week) and we know they will give us a tough game. They are never soft and they are sitting on top of the table now, so that should be enough to sharpen their minds ahead of Sunday week.”

The performance of some of the new emerging players pleased Dolan.

“Danny Scahill has great potential and I was keen to see Senan Baker in action, too. It’s great to see young players getting their chance and I’m hoping to have more young players in action over the course of the league,” he added.