National Football League Division Two
Down v Westmeath
Saturday, Páirc Esler Newry, 6pm
By Peter McGrath
DEFEAT in Cavan two weeks ago sharpened the minds of Down fans towards the stark possibility of relegation.
The reality is that defeat in Newry this week could confirm it. Therefore, this is a game of vital significance.
Down have lost just once in Páirc Esler (vs Meath) in Conor Laverty’s tenure and they will hope to channel that home strength to get past the challenge of Westmeath.
With Down sitting on two league points and Westmeath on none, both promoted sides from last season have found the going tough in Division Two but there is no doubt that both counties can consider themselves very unfortunate not to be in markedly different positions.
Down’s last three defeats have all been by a single score; three points to Meath, one to Louth and two to Cavan while Westmeath have been equally close, losing out by one in Cork, four against Cavan (who they had been well ahead of) and the last day out to a last gasp Meath goal that broke Lake County hearts.
Conor Laverty will be hoping Pat Havern can retain his fine two-point form with only Shane Walsh more prolific anywhere on the island at the longrangers than the Saval man to date.
Daniel Guinness has been Down’s most consistent player over recent weeks and another strong game will be needed from him in the Down engine room.
Read the full preview in the Mourne Observer.
