Westmeath qualified for their second Leinster Under-21 football championship final in three years after a narrow win over Wicklow at Newbridge yesterday.
Wicklow could have earned a replay when awarded a 45 in injury time, but the ball was thrown in instead after their fullback, Gavin Wynne, was sent off for a challenge on Kevin Burke just before the kick was taken.
Des Dolan, who converted six placed balls during the afternoon, gave Westmeath an early lead with two frees against the wind, but Wicklow went into the break 0-7 to 0-5 ahead after points from Trevor O'Donnell and Adrian Foley.
Kevin Burke found the Wicklow net early in the second half, but a fine move resulted in a goal by Wicklow's Anthony Nolan soon afterwards. Dolan's free taking gave the midlanders the advantage and an outstanding point by wing back Brendan Lambden proved the clincher.
WESTMEATH: C Mullen, P Mullen, J Galvin, F Murray, B Lambden (0-1), A Canning, D Kilmartin, D O'Shaughnessy (0-1), K Burke (1-0), F Wilson (0-1), R Browne, M Ennis, J Fallon (0-1), D Dolan (0-6), J P Casey (0-1). Subs: J Deehan for Wilson, A Daly for Casey.
WICKLOW: R Daniels, T Burke, G Wynne, O O hAnnaidh, A Foley (0-1), J Mooney, C Davis, G Jameson, G Doran, A Mooney, T Hannon (0-1), E Davis, T Gill (0-4), T O'Donnell (0-3), A Nolan (1- 1). Subs: D Jackman for A Mooney, C Toomey for Hannon.
Referee: S McCormack (Meath).
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