Westmeath 1-16 Carlow 1-7: Westmeath were a class above hosts Carlow at Dr Cullen Park yesterday. The 2004 Leinster champions showed deadly accuracy in the opening 20 minutes, striking seven points from play without registering a wide and after half an hour's play Carlow trailed 0-10 to 0-3. At that stage Carlow conceded a penalty but a magnificent save from goalkeeper John Brennan denied Alan Mannion.

Westmeath led by 0-12 to 0-4 at half-time and four minutes into the second half Carlow were down to 14 men when centre back Cormac McCarthy received a straight red card for a rash tackle. Four minutes later Denis Glennon volleyed home his side's goal and Westmeath led 1-13 to 0-5.

There was no way back for Carlow after that but they did a reasonable job of damage limitation and were rewarded with a goal from a penalty by their top forward Simon Rea, who scored 1-4.

Westmeath were reduced to 14 men midway through the second half when corner back John Keane received a second yellow card.

WESTMEATH: G Connaughton; J Davitt, B Nannery, J Keane; G Dillon, M Ennis (0-1), D McDermott (0-1); B Murtagh, N Kilmartin (0-1); D Heavin, D Glennon (1-3), J Nugent (0-1); A Mangan (0-4, 0-2 frees), PJ Ward (0-3, 0-1 free), J Fallon (0-1). Subs: G Glennon for Dillon; P Bannon (0-1) for Kilmartin; D Duffy for Murtagh; S Cleary for Davitt; R Whelan for Mangan.

CARLOW: J Brennan; J Ryan, D Byrne, T Smith; L Murphy, C McCarthy, J Keogh; R Walker, P Walsh; J Fitzgerald (0-1), B Hannon, P Hickey (0-1); S Rea (1-4, 1-0 pen, 0-3 frees), C Pender, J Kavanagh (0-1). Subs: P Murphy for Hickey); P Fitzgerald for Ryan; V Kavanagh for Walker; N Barrett for Rea.

Referee: C Costelloe (Offaly).