Early Kildare blitz puts Westmeath on back foot

Westmeath 0-11 Kildare 2-9: If the bookmakers are to be believed, these teams will renew acquaintances in a Division 3 final in April, but Kildare claimed first blood here courtesy of an impressive first half against a gale.

The Lilywhites led 2-6 to 0-8 at the break, with goals from Daniel Flynn and substitute Cian O’Donoghue in the space of six minutes shocking Westmeath when should have been making the most of the strong breeze.

Although they recovered well from Flynn’s wonder goal in the 21st minute, which saw the midfielder solo from within his own half before finding the top left corner of the net, Westmeath were reeling after O’Donoghue had followed a similar path, running from deep and exchanging possession with Niall Kelly, and unleashing a well-placed ball past Darren Quinn.