Westmeath overturn 17-point interval deficit to shock Wexford

A couple of last-gasp goals from substitute Niall Mitchell completed a seismic Westmeath fight-back as they sunk Wexford's hurling summer with Sunday’s stunning Leinster championship fourth round victory at Chadwicks Wexford Park.

Wexford’s much anticipated crucial victory appeared in the bag as they led by 17 points after 32 minutes (2-14 to 0-3).

But Darragh Egan’s charges were second-rate thereafter, with a couple of Niall O’Brien goals stirring a Westmeath resurgence completed by a late double of majors from substitute Niall Mitchell.

It’s the second summer when Westmeath managed by Wexford native Joe Fortune have upset the purple and gold having held them to a draw 12 months ago.

Wexford cannot qualify for the knockout stages as instead they are facing the threat of relegation dependant on next Sunday’s home showdown with Kilkenny.

Westmeath too are battling to avoid the drop as they face Antrim.

If the Saffrons were to beat Westmeath next Sunday, and the Yellowbellies suffer defeat to the Cats, the 2019 Leinster champions would be relegated as Westmeath would survive on the head-to-head record, with both teams on two points.

There certainly were no indications of what was to befall Wexford as they out-hurled Westmeath by 1-7 to 0-1 inside the first quarter.

A fourth minute pointed free from Ciarán Doyle – pegging it back to 0-2 to 0-1 - proved Westmeath’s only submission for the first twenty-one minutes as the hosts ruled the roost.

Indeed, before Doyle’s second submission on 22 minutes, Wexford had generated a 1-8 to 0-1 gulf as they scorched into the action on a sun-drenched afternoon.

Rory O’Connor crafted two early points before being denied a goal by a superb intervention from Darragh Egerton.

But O’Connor hurt Westmeath