Westmeath manager Pat Flanagan believes his side got no benefit from Louth being reduced to 13 men in their All-Ireland Senior Football Championship qualifier clash in Mullingar.
The Lakesmen ran out 1-15 to 0-12 winners, but Louth felt particularly aggrieved about the dismissal of their star forward Darren Clarke on the stroke of half-time.
The Wee County were without a number of first-team players through injury, but they had the better of the opening period and were on a hiding to nothing after Clarke followed team-mate Mark Brennan in being forced into an early shower.
But Flanagan believes the numerical advantage actually worked against his charges as they struggled to adapt to the unusual situation.
"I've never been involved in a game like it. When Louth lost their two players we lost our shape completely, and an awful lot of players were standing around and not actually moving in the way they should be moving.
He added: "Basically, we had one defensive and the other guy was supposed to be pushing forward.
"But, at the same time, every time Louth got the ball they attacked us and ran at us and gave us a bit of bother.
"But we'll learn from that. When the stakes evened out a bit we played much better."
Westmeath also had a player dismissed, as midfielder John Heslin picked up a second yellow card in the second half. However, Flanagan felt the loss of their influential midfielder actually restored order to his side's play.
"It was a hard-fought battle. We just got out in the end. It's credit to Louth. After losing two men they fought bravely and it was only when John Heslin received his marching orders that we actually got going ourselves."
The Midlanders have an awful record in recent meetings with Louth, but Flanagan felt the familiar surroundings of Cusack Park played a part in his side's success.
"We won three games out our seven in the league at home, so it does give you an advantage.
“Obviously, it's our first time to play Louth at home in our last five or six meetings; they've been successful in the previous ones."
Westmeath substitute Callum McCormack had a massive impact on the game after being introduced, but Flanagan refused to say if the youngster's haul of 1-03 would be enough to guarantee him a starting place in the next round.
Nevertheless, the manager was full of praise for the Maryland clubman's contribution.
"We know Callum has been playing very, very well. He played with the U-21s this year. He's a superb player and he fitted well into the system coming on."
