WESTMEATH footballers eased their relegation worries with a deserved 1-13 to 1-5 win over Antrim in this niggly game at Cusack Park, Mullingar, yesterday. Three players, two from Antrim and one from Westmeath, were sent off - all for off-the-ball incidents.

Wind-assisted Westmeath got a big boost in the fifth minute when Paul Conway scored a goal from close range. They were dealt a blow in the 12th minute when full-forward Kenny Lyons wash sidelined, but lead 1-6 to 1-0 at the break.

Two quick second-half points, from Ronan Hamill and Eddie Quinn, gave Antrim hope, but after Antrim's Jimmy Wilson was sent off in the 36th minute Westmeath took control.