Gaelic Games

Cavan break goal duck as Westmeath now facing relegation

Ulster team hadn’t scored a goal in the Allianz League prior to this game

Cavan manager Terry Hyland oversaw his team score their first goal of the 2015 league in defeat of Westmeath. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy/Inpho
Cavan manager Terry Hyland oversaw his team score their first goal of the 2015 league in defeat of Westmeath. Photo: Mike Shaughnessy/Inpho
Sat Mar 28 2015 - 21:24

Cavan 1-8 Westmeath 1-3

Cavan finally scored their first goal of this year’s Allianz League during a real war of attrition against Westmeath at a wintry Kingspan/Breffni Park.

Terry Hyland’s team hadn’t raised a green flag in any of their five previous games but Brendan Fitzpatrick’s 44th minute strike worked the oracle and leaves Westmeath staring at a relegation dog fight.

Cavan were caught napping early on though with Kieran Martin finding the net for the visitors after a great delivery from Callum McCormack in the seventh minute.

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Tom Cribbin’s side almost broke through for a second goal in the 15th minute but Cavan livewire Jason McLoughlin made a great interception to deny Shane Dempsey a clear shot.

Cavan took a full 14 minutes to add to Niall McDermott's opener but, predictably, it was a Martin Dunne free which reignited their charge.

Cavan finished the first half with a spring in their step and a fine Niall McDermott point helped get his side on level terms, 0-4 to 1-1, at the interval.

The Ulster team hit the jackpot nine minutes after the restart when Brendan Fitzpatrick rattled the Westmeath net after great work by James McEnroe.

A brilliant point from Kieran Martin (40) ended a 31 minute barren period for the Leinstermen only for a brace from in-form midfielder Gearoid McKiernansealing the deal after Jamie Gonoud (61) saw red.

CAVAN: C Gilsenan ; J McLoughlin, R Dunne, R Flanagan; J McEnroe, F Flanagan, D O'Reilly; T Corr, G McKiernan (0-2) D McVeety, N McDermott (0-2, 1f), M Reilly (0-2, 2f); C Mackey. M Dunne (0-2, 2f), B Fitzpatrick (1-0).

Subs; C Conroy for N McDermott (44); J Farrelly for C Gilsenan (52); N Murray for R Flanagan (63); T Hayes for B Fitzpatrick (66).

WESTMEATH: G Connaughton; M McCallon, K Maguire, G Gonoud; K Daly, J Gilligan, J Egan; P Holloway, J Heslin (0-1) ; P Sharry, G Egan, K Martin (1-2, 1f); S Dempsey, C McCormack, L MacGabhann (D Glennon 44).

Subs; D Glennon for L MacGabhann (44);D Duffy for P Holloway (52);

Referee: J Henry (Mayo)