Joe Fortune: Huge day for Westmeath but we must back it up against Antrim

Joe Fortune said Westmeath's stunning comeback win over Wexford will count for nothing unless they back it up against Antrim next Sunday.

Westmeath came from 17 points down at Chadwicks Wexford Park to claim a remarkable 4-18 to 2-22 success that lifted them off the foot of the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship table, and victory over Antrim in their final group game on 28 May will secure their top-flight status.

The game looked done and dusted at half-time, with Wexford 2-15 to 0-05 in front, but Westmeath hit 1-04 without reply after the restart to give themselves hope before two late goals from substitute Niall Mitchell completed the most unlikely of comebacks.

"We were very honest with each other at half-time," Westmeath manager Fortune told RTÉ Sport. "We just told them it wasn't good enough.

"People take all the accolades as managers and coaches at times. That's not true, it has to come from your group and when they’re a strong unit and they believe, and they ask themselves the questions, that’s the most important thing.

"I'm just delighted for them as a group, as a county. It means an awful lot to them. They have never done it at this level. It’s a huge day for Westmeath hurling but it means nothing unless we go and get the job done next week.

"We need to beat Antrim in Cusack Park next Sunday, but you’ll remember days like this when you get the job done properly.

"It's about getting recovery done tomorrow, getting together as a group and then driving on again. A really enjoyable day today."

While delighted for the Westmeath players and supporters, Fortune also sympathised with his native Wexford, who are in danger of dropping into the Joe McDonagh Cup after their third defeat in four games.

"What a feeling for the