Fermanagh edge Westmeath by the minimum to take another step towards promotion

Fermanagh 0-15; Westmeath 2-8

Cian McManus of Fermanagh in action against Senan Baker of Westmeath. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile

March 18 2023 08:55 PM

Fermanagh took another step towards promotion as they held off a late Westmeath comeback in Ederney.

The Ernemen played with the breeze at their backs in the first half and with Darragh McGurn, Ultan Kelm, Ryan Lyons and Aidan Breen all among the points they went in at the break with a five point advantage, 0-9 to 0-4.

The home side remained in charge on the resumption and with Lyons, McGurn and Kelm tagging on points they moved into a seven-point lead, 0-13 to 0-6.

As the game moved into the last ten minutes Fermanagh appeared to be in complete control but two goals in as many minutes brought Westmeath right back into contention.

Full back Kevin Maguire got forward to slot home the first following an incisive move before David Lynch quickly added a second after Ronan O’Toole’s shot came back off the upright.

This set up a grandstand finish with one point dividing the sides but the home side hit back with a wonderful point from Kelm.

John Heslin answered from a free but Che Cullen broke forward from defence deep in added on time to again put two between the sides.

Ronan Wallace did land a late point for the away side but Fermanagh were able to see it out from there to secure the spoils.