We can still survive, says defiant Bealin

When you’re rock bottom in Division 1 of the Allianz Football League, it is hard to find many positives.

So Westmeath manager Paul Bealin was doing his best to see the glass as half full rather than half empty after his side’s dramatic defeat.

On the face of it, a five-point loss to add to their previous three could leave them in a difficult and potentially depressing place.

But Bealin claimed that any team capable of coming from nine points down on Mayo can launch a similar escape from relegation.

Bealin said: “While the result is disappointing, there are positives for us to cling on to. We came from nine points back to lead at one stage. That’s a serious sign of the character in this side.

“Plus we have handed debuts to a number of guys in this league campaign. This experience will stand to them. We’re playing the best sides in the country and while results haven’t gone our way, we aren’t going to give up. We can still survive in Division 1 with three wins. ”

Judging by Mayo manager James Horan’s comments, however, Westmeath aren’t likely to escape the drop.

Horan said: “We needed the two points. The way some of the results have gone, it’s going to be very tight at the bottom.

“Teams playing Westmeath, the teams that are left to play Westmeath, they will fancy their chances. But all we’re looking to now is Cork coming to McHale Park next Sunday. We can’t wait for that.”