Cork hit by injuries after Westmeath thriller

Cork 1-8 Westmeath 2-5

Clifford damaged soft tissue in his back, while both Kavanagh and McCarthy pulled hamstrings, as Cork denied Westmeath victory with a sensational last gasp goal from late substitute Padraig Griffin.

The Clonakilty forward punched home a Graham Canty free after two minutes of injury time to give Cork a share of the spoils after a fiercely competitive battle but Westmeath will kick themselves for letting the game slip.

Cork, who spurned two gilt-edged goal-scoring opportunities in the first period, deserved something from the game. Of that there is no doubt.

Cork looked in complete control early on, but a physically stronger Westmeath team grabbed control after the interval, spurred on by two timely goals.

With centre back Graham Canty putting an authoritative stamp on proceedings, midfielder Dermot Hurley making a promising debut, Maurice McCarthy grafting hard on the left flank of attack, and Philip Clifford prominent up front, Cork were only denied the goals their superiority deserved by poor finishing.

They opened up a four point gap, courtesy of Micheal Ó Croinín’s free-taking, but the introduction of Martin Flanagan in the 22nd minute, proved to be a God-send for Westmeath. Flanagan instantly caused Croinín’s free-taking, but the introduction of Martin Flanagan in the 22nd minute, proved to be a God-send for Westmeath. Flanagan instantly caused problems for the Cork defence problems and proceeded to pop over two points to leave Cork leading by only 0-5 to 0-3 at the interval - this after a second clear goal chance was wasted by Bernie Collins.

Although Hurley crowned a fine performance with a splendid point to extend Cork’s lead to three points in the 40th minute, it was Westmeath who were now in the ascendency.

Inspired by a truly magnificent defence in which Fergal Murray, Derek Heavin, James Davitt and Donal O’Donoghue all played starring roles, Páaidí Ó Sé’s men launched waves of attack, and were rewarded with two goals from substitutes James Conroy and Gary Dolan.

Cork had the last word when Canty found the grateful Griffin close to goal and Billy Morgan felt Cork deserved at least a point after long periods of dominance in the first half.

“We lost our way for a while in the second half and panicked by going for goals even though we were only four points adrift with plenty of time remaining after Westmeath got their second goal,” Morgan said.

“I would not describe both Westmeath’s goals as flukey but there was a controversial element about them, particularly the first. However, I felt justice was done in the end because of our lads never-say-die attitude.”

He said: “It was very important that we salvaged something from this because to walk away without anything would have been a real downer.”

The key for Ó Sé and Westmeath is turning battling and occasionally impressive displays into victories. “We have shown we can play football. Westmeath had no fear of coming down to Cork, or playing any opposition for that matter.

“You’re always learning in this game, but I’ve known for a long time to my cost that games are never over until the final whistle,” Ó Sé said.

“We could and should have been punished midway through the first half when we lived dangerously but our fitness is pretty advanced for this stage of the season and we used it to good effect in the second period.”

Scorers for Cork: M. O'Croinin 0-4 (0-3 from frees; 0-1 from 45); P. Griffin 1-0; B. Collins, P. Clifford, D. Hurley and C. McCarthy 0-1 each.

Westmeath: J. Conroy 1-1 (0-1 from free); G. Dolan 1-0; M. Flanagan 0-3 (0-1 from 45); J. Fallon 0-1 (0-1 from free).

CORK: K. O'Dwyer; S. O'Brien, D. Kavanagh, A. Lynch; E. Sexton, G. Canty, M. Cronin; D. Hurley, N. Murphy; A. Cronin, M. O'Croinin, M. McCarthy; P. Clifford, B. Collins, C. Crowley. Subs. 37th minute. C. O'Sullivan for Kavanagh (injured); 47th minute. P. Griffen for Crowley; J. O'Shea for Clifford (injured): 51st minute. C. McCarthy for M. McCarthy (injured).

WESTMEATH: A. Lennon; J. Davitt, D. O'Donoghue, F. Murray; B. Morley, D. Kilmartin, D. Heavin; R. O'Connell, D. O'Shaughnessy; F. Dardis, M. Ennis, A. Mangan; J. Fallon, P. Martin, D. Glennon. Subs. 23rd minute. M. Flanagan for Dardis; 30th minute. J. Conroy for Morley; half time. G. Dolan for Ennis; 45 minutes; D. Gavin for Kilmartin.

Referee: B. White (Wexford).