First for Westmeath since 1973

Westmeath 1-10 Meath 0-8, Cusack Park

Despite missing the hamstrung Dessie Dolan, Westmeath still had enough quality to secure their first NFL victory over Meath since 1973.

The Westmeath players did their captain proud as they outfought last year's Division Two champions.

Fergal Wilson (0-2), Alan Mangan, Denis Glennon and Damien Healy guided the hosts to a 0-5 to 0-2 half-time lead, although Wilson's injury-time dismissal was a setback.

Meath rallied with points from Graham Geraghty and Peter Byrne but Healy struck the decisive blow in the 53rd-minute when he found the Meath net.