Westmeath grind out win but fail to impress

ONE can only surmise how either Westmeath or Wicklow would have fared in the Leinster SFC semi-final, but on the basis of the regulation 70 minutes yesterday, not very well.

Only Pat Gilroy’s Dublin would be smiling at the poor quality before extra time saw Tomas O Flatharta’s side advance for a meeting with the reigning provincial champions.

Mick O’Dwyer’s squad were within touching distance of a shock from the moment Dean Odlum benefited from a mistake by Westmeath keeper Gary Connaughton to goal in the 34th minute. Afterwards O’Dwyer admitted Wicklow’s early penalty miss was costly.