Fortune favours the brave as Westmeath comeback pips Clare

Westmeath 1-11 Clare 0-13

Westmeath battled back to claim what had seemed a highly improbable victory over Clare in Division 3 of the Allianz Football League at TEG Cusack Park today (Sunday).

Ronan O'Toole kicked the winning score in the sixth minute of added time to cap Westmeath's comeback after they had trailed by six points at half-time (0-10 to 1-1).

In the frenetic closing stages, two points from Sam McCartan proved crucial, with Ray Connellan and substitute Kieran Martin also raising white flags.

Clare were wind assisted in the first half which was a factor in the position Westmeath found themselves in, but it does not fully explain their predicament.

The Banner men operated in Division 2 in 2023 but are without the services of several first choice players from recent years. Yet they made light of such issues for long spells in Mullingar.

Clare had a goal disallowed late on as Westmeath claimed a somewhat fortunate victory.

In any case, the victory means Westmeath have two wins from two games, and the result is the chief positive following an unconvincing performance.

Westmeath's Conor Dillon opened the scoring with a goal, but the the home side's only other score in the first half was a point from Ronan Wallace.

Backed by the breeze in the second period, Westmeath showed commendable spirit and eventually reeled Clare in during the closing stages, to the delight of the considerable home crowd.

Elsewhere in Division 3, Antrim hung on to claim a narrow victory over Offaly (2-5 to 1-7) at Corrigan Park. Anton Sullivan's goal boosted Offaly's hopes of turning the game around, but the Saffrons managed to do enough for a second successive victory.

Meanwhile, Sligo defeated Wicklow by 2-10 to 1-11 at Markievicz Park. Pat Spillane and Niall Murphy (penalty) scored the Sligo goals in the first half.

On Saturday, promotion favourites Down claimed a 3-16 to 0-9 win over Limerick at Páirc Esler.