Defensive cohesion gives Westmeath the edge

Longford v Westmeath: LAST YEAR'S setback in this fixture may well have had a seismic effect on Westmeath. By the time the sides re-engaged in the qualifiers Longford noticed that their neighbours had become both more physical and more cautious in the number of players they played behind the ball.

That style has continued to serve Tomás Ó Flatharta's team well during an immensely satisfying NFL run that ended with promotion and the Division Two title.

Consistency of selection in defence has given the team a formidable base and it was noticeable how well the backs tackled and combined in the divisional final against Dublin.

It's a cohesion that Luke Dempsey must envy, as he tries to improvise a way out of Longford's persistent problems at the back. When fully tuned-in it's possible to see the home side competing against a centrefield that with Martin Flanagan in form has looked accomplished and also up front where Brian Kavanagh has had two deeply impressive championships.

But that vulnerability in defence is too much to carry against a Westmeath team that can afford to leave Des Dolan on the bench and which tore strips off Dublin a couple of weeks ago with Denis Glennon and Dermot Bannon making hay in the full-forward line.

In the last episode: No shortage of previous. The counties met twice last summer with Longford pulling off a shock as well as a stirring comeback after trailing by eight at half-time. Westmeath redressed the balance when the teams met again in the qualifiers but the county's last win over the neighbours in the provincial championship was in 1999.

You bet: Longford are at 9 to 4 with the visitors available at 4 to 9 and the draw at 15 to 2.

On your marks: Westmeath were undone last year in a 10-minute spell just after half-time. Despite having braced themselves at the interval to face the breeze and an intensified effort from Longford, they ended up leaking 2-2 without reply. Brian Kavanagh got both goals in a total of 2-6, all but four points from play.

Arguments about disrupting the supply are all very well but the primary responsibility to prevent a repeat will still be Kieran Gavin's or Francis Boyle's, who gave a tighter account of himself in last July's qualifier.

Gaining ground: Since renovation a couple of years ago Pearse Park has been an ideal venue of its type and although it will be short its capacity of 16,000 there will be plenty of atmosphere with about 10,000 expected.

Just the ticket: Tickets available outside ground. Stand will probably be sold out, but terraces are priced at €15 for adults and €3 for under-16s.

Crystal gazing: This should be Westmeath's match. To paraphrase county PRO Des Maguire during the week, the league's all very fine but this is what you put in all the work for.

WESTMEATH: G Connaughton; F Boyle, K Gavin, J Keane; M Ennis, D Heavin, D Healy; M Flanagan, D O'Donoghue; F Wilson, J Smyth, D Harte; A Mangan, D Glennon, D Bannon.

LONGFORD: D Sheridan; N Farrell, A O'Connor, P Kelly; D Reilly, E Williams, D Masterson; L Keenan, P Dowd; K Mulligan, P Barden, P Berry; J Martin, B Kavanagh, F McGee.