Without setting the world ablaze, Westmeath did just enough to claim two crucial early Allianz Football League points when they ground out the win over Offaly in O'Connor Park.
The visitors deserved their win and were marginally the better side, but will know that they were let off the hook a bit by an Offaly side who were competitive but missed too many chances.
The defining moment of the game came between the 16th and 18th minutes.
Offaly had started very promisingly playing against the wind in the first half and were the better side for the first quarter. They led by 0-3 to 0-2 ahead after and would have been further ahead but for some suspect shot selection.
In the 16th minute, they had a great chance to build on their good work when impressive debutant John Furlong raced through from centre half back. He could have passed to Cormac Egan who was running just inside him, but took it on himself and Jason Daly made a fine save.
Two minutes later, Westmeath made no mistake with their chance, Senan Baker finishing well after a pass from Conor Dillon. Westmeath took complete control after that, adding four points without reply and leading by 1-8 to 0-5 at half time.
A swirling wind picked up briefly in the second half and Offaly piled on early pressure.
Jordan Hayes and Anton Sullivan fired over good points before Conor Dillon settled Westmeath with a crucial point. Two Cian Farrell points, one from play, made it a three-point game, 1-9 to 0-9 after 49 minutes and Offaly still remained in the hunt.
James Dolan and Cian Farrell exchanged points to leave it 1-10 to 0-10 with 10 minutes left, but Offaly didn't score again and will be particularly disappointed at that.
They had some poor wides late on, while Westmeath's only point from Luke Loughlin in the 62nd minute should have been a goal.
Loughlin had an empty net in front of him and blasted over the bar but a four-point lead was still a big lead at that stage and Westmeath were able to hold out with a small degree of comfort.
Westmeath: Jason Daly; Conor Dillon (0-1), Charlie Drumm, Jamie Gonoud; James Dolan (0-1), Ronan Wallace, David Lynch; Ray Connellan (0-1), Andy McCormack; Sam McCartan (0-1), Ronan O'Toole (0-2), Jonathan Lynam; Luke Loughlin (0-3), Senan Baker, (1-2, 2f) Lorcan Dolan.
Subs: Eoin Mulvihill for McCartan (47m), Matthew Whittaker for Dillon (54m), Robbie Forde for Lorcan Dolan (54m), Kieran Martin for Baker (67m),
Offaly: Ian Duffy; Aidan Bracken, David Dempsey, Lee Pearson; Rory Egan, John Furlong, Jack O'Brien; Eoin Carroll, Jordan Hayes (0-1); Cathal Donoghue, Cathal Flynn, Cormac Egan; Cian Farrell (0-5, 4f), Anton Sullivan (0-2), Nigel Dunne (0-2, 1m).
Subs: Peter Cunningham for Dunne (31m), Kevin McDermott for Donoghue (33m), Ruari McNamee for Flynn (45m), Keith O'Neill for Cormac Egan (54m), Jack Bryant for O'Brien (60m),
Referee: Seamus Mulhare (Laois).
