These are exciting days for Westmeath football and the men in maroon marched into the fourth round in a competitive and highly exciting encounter at Navan's Pairc Tailteann on Saturday evening. Six games in a championship summer is unheard of in Westmeath, and an opportunist goal 19 minutes into the second half paved the way for a third victory in four weeks. Full forward Martin Flanagan grabbed the score which separated the sides at the end.

The usually reliable Brian Phillips lost possession when there appeared to be little danger and the number 14 whipped the ball to the net to leave his side leading by 1-9 to 0-11.

Westmeath manager Luke Dempsey was full of praise for "a great all round team performance" and was delighted to see Flanagan grab a couple of crucial scores. "Martin was struggling to find his best form this year but he took the goal very well and then followed up with a n important point. The goal was a big boost for us and it came a crucial stage in the game.

"The Louth defence was very tight with veteran Stephen Melia an inspiring force. But when our forwards got away from the Louth backs, they took their scores very well."Fergal Wilson (four of his six points were from play), Dessie Dolan and Ger Heavin also proved their worth in the scoring stakes.

Louth did not have the same finishing punch with midfielders Seamus O'Hanlon and Martin Farrelly both scoring twice. The sides were level six times and on five occasions in the first half which ended at 0-8 each.

Just before the break Westmeath captain Heavin sneaked in behind the defence and looked certain to find the net only for Louth skipper Colm Nally to save with his legs.

Although they battled bravely after conceding the goal, Louth could not get their noses in front again. The experienced Colin Kelly slotted over his third free and the hard-working David Reilly reduced the arrears to the minimum. However, Westmeath showed their mettle by responding with scores from Flanagan and Wilson to lift the siege.