Westmeath clawed back a nine-point deficit to draw 1-19 apiece with Wexford in a remarkable playoff qualifier which neither team deserved to lose at the newly opened Wexford Park today. Diarmuid Kinsella crashed the ball in the back of the net in the 21st minute, to put Wexford 1-7 to 0-1 ahead and although Westmeath closed the gap to a more respectable 1-9 to 0-5 at half time, their wing back Damien Healy was sent off in injury time.
However, the fourteen-man Westmeath refused to simply wilt. Martin Flanagan started the comeback with a well-taken goal but even at that stage, Wexford had a four point lead with just four minutes remaining. Amazingly, Westmeath fought back to score three points without reply before Ger Heavin scored the equaliser to force the game into extra time.
Westmeath were marginally the better team in the first added period, and had a slender 1-17 to 1-16 lead going into half time. Things finally looked to be going their way after Wexford's David Murphy was sent off. However, it was Wexford's turn to comeback in this remarkable game, and the magnificent Leigh O'Brien put over his tenth point to tie the game and force a replay.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
