13-man Kildare's heavy loss ensures next weekend's clash with Derry becomes even more pivotal

Westmeath           0-21

Allianz NHL Division 2A Round 4

Kildare slumped to their third loss in four games as they were gunned down by an extremely efficient Westmeath side in St Conleth's Park this afternoon. It now leaves the Lilywhites in a precarious position and in extreme need of a victory when they face Derry next weekend in a clash of the league's bottom two sides.

It was Westmeath who led the way from the offset racing into an early 0-4 to 0-1 lead as the Lake men settled in with ease.

Gerry Keegan was one of Kildare's more dangerous forwards throughout the game, operating from full-forward and picking off some fine scores to keep the home side in touch. Martin Fitzgerald was also his usual reliable self, and he kept the scoreboard ticking over with numerous frees.

The Kildare cause wasn't helped when Mark Delaney was sent to the line on the stroke of half-time receiving a red card for an off the ball incident. Kildare went in at half-time trailing by 0-11 0-6 and with a numerical disadvantage.

The second half saw little change in the tide of the game as Westmeath continued to keep Kildare at arms length, with Derek McNicholas punishing almost every Kildare indiscretion with his free-taking prowess. Kildare's chances were further dented when Keegan had to leave the field through injury, which will surely be a major worry for manager Joe Quaid ahead of next week.

Naas corner-forward Jack Sheridan also saw red late on for what the referee deemed to be a wild pull, leaving the Lilywhites to finish the game with 13 men.

Attention will now turn to next weekend's meeting with Derry, with the loser consigned to Division 2B and the victor securing their status in 2A for next season.

Kildare

Paul Dermody; Ross Bergin, John Doran, Conor Gordon; Sean Gainey(M Grace), Mark Moloney, Paul Divilly; Martin Fitzgerald, Niall O Muineachain; Philip Cocoman(P Cocoman), Declan Flaherty(R Casey), Tom Brady; Jack Sheridan, Gerry Keegan(S Ryan), Mark Delaney.