Niall O’Brien’s accuracy a major plus for Westmeath

Westmeath 2-22 Kildare 2-13 Westmeath recovered in style from the concession of two early goals to maintain their Liam McCarthy Cup status for 2015, with a win over newly crowned Christy Ring Cup champions, Kildare, in Mullingar last Saturday afternoon.

Well-taken goals from Bernard Deay and Gerry Keegan helped the Lilywhites to a 2-4 to 0-4 lead after nine minutes.

However, the home team began to settle, with Niall O’Brien in superb form from placed balls. A wonderful solo goal from Derek McNicholas in the 34th minute gave Westmeath a 1-13 to 2-7 lead at half-time.

Westmeath dominated the second half, while their outstanding full-back Tommy Doyle was instrumental in repelling occasional Kildare attacks.

Alan Devine’s injury-time goal sealed a nine-point win for a young and impressive Westmeath side.

WESTMEATH: P Collins; K Duncan, T Doyle, L Varley; G Greville, A Craig (0-1), P Reilly; P Gilsenan, E Price; R Greville (0-2), A Devine (1-1), D Gavin (0-2); A Clarke (0-2), D McNicholas (1-2), N O'Brien (0-11, six frees, two '65's). Subs: J Boyle (0-1) for Clarke (49 mins), M Heeney for Reilly (56 mins).

KILDARE: P Dermody; J Doran, F Ó Muineacháin, N Ó Muineacháin; D Harney, E O' Neill, R Hoban; M Moloney (0-2), M Fitzgerald (0-1); W Green, P Divilly (0-4, one free, two '65's), B Deay (1-1); G Keegan (1-2), T Murphy, M Delaney (0-1). Subs: J O'Malley for Green (51 mins), R Casey (0-2) for Delaney (60 mins).

Referee: J Keenan (Wicklow).