Second-half surge from Down sees them defeat Westmeath

Down kept their Division 3 promotion hopes alive in Newry with a pulsating second-half performance at Páirc Esler to come from seven points behind to beat Westmeath by two in an enthralling finish.

Odhran Murdoch's second converted penalty in a week ignited the turnaround.Floundering and stuck for idea's Liam Kerr burst through the centre and provided the perspiration for Murdoch’s inspiration. Down never looked back and held Westmeath scoreless for the remainder of the tie with five more scores.

Goalkeeper Charlie Smyth made his league debut, Smyth was a part of Conor Laverty’s successful U20 Ulster winning side and at the other end Pat Havern opened the nervy encounter with a free.

With Havern in good early form, the hosts dropped a number of high balls in on top of the full forward. A combination of good Kevin Maguire defending and net minder Jason Daly hoovering up possession behind.

John Heslin, was ever reliable when counted upon and he settled his side with the opening free. With the play ensuing around the middle of the field, David Gough spotted a foul deep in the Down full-back line. Westmeath were encouraged and soon took the lead thanks to Conor McCormack and Senan Baker.

McCormack’s range of passing was notable on the night with probing foot passes. In the low scoring affair Eamon Brown levelled the game for the third time in the contest. As the half progressed, Ronan O’Toole’s influence was beginning to grow.

Dropping deep, the Loman’s man came out of his own half-back line with some decisive turnovers. That allowed Westmeath up the field. With field position intact, John Heslin provided the class to give the visitors a healthy two-point lead with a brace of immaculate free’s.

Regardless of the position, Heslin’s