Westmeath exit Leinster U20 football championship

Dublin 2-20, Westmeath 3-9

Despite holding a two point half time lead, Westmeath failed to advance to the knockout phase of this year's Dalata Hotel Group Leinster U20 football championship following defeat to Dublin in their closing group fixture played in Parnell Park on Wednesday night.

Defeat means Kenny McKinley's charges are in the U20 'B' competition and will play Longford in Clonguish next Wednesday at 7.30pm.

In what was a must win fixture for both counties to ensure provincial championship progression, Westmeath two first half goals from Ryan Kelly and Kealan Connell had the Lake County in scoreboard ascendancy by two points at the interval.

However, the hosts were to the scoring fore in the second half and gaining territorial dominance as the game progressed, the Metropolitans, courtesy of scorer in chief Joe Quigley, gradually exerted their authority on proceedings.

As the game entered its closing quarter Westmeath rallied and a Finn Duffy two pointer seemed to spur the visitors, Shane Corcoran netting a well worked third goal just on full time to reduce the scoring deficit.

Westmeath will now contest for honours in the All-Ireland U20 'B' football championship, a competition in which they were defeated by Down in the 2024 final.

(See full match report in next week's newspaper).