Powerful third quarter by Monaghan proves crucial

A look at some of the key moments as Lake County's memorable run comes to an end

Westmeath’s memorable season came to an end in the scorching sunshine at St Tiernach’s Park, Clones on Sunday, Mark McHugh’s heroic side giving way to a Monaghan outfit that found more energy as the game progressed.

Westmeath were certainly in a great position at half-time, the sides level at 2-9 to 0-15, following first-half goals from Matthew Whittaker and Brandon Kelly.

An impressive third quarter from the home side was arguably the key, giving them the platform for victory.

There were turning points and big moments in a seriously competitive All-Ireland SFC preliminary quarter-final tie and here we analyse how the game unfolded:

The big turnover

Westmeath didn’t have a lot of joy on kickouts, but they won their own ball in the 48th minute and attacked at pace, Matthew Whittaker getting through the cover. But Monaghan full-back Killian Lavelle scrambled back to dispossess the Tubberclair man and from that, Monaghan launched a counterattack that led to Jack McCarron getting his fourth point of the match.

Monaghan added two further points to open up a lead of 0-22 to 2-13 by the 50th minute; they went on to score 1-6 while conceding just a point (Ronan Wallace ‘45’) in a crucial period during the third quarter.

The Monaghan goal

Stephen O’Hanlon’s second-half performance caused Westmeath a lot of problems and it was his powerful run that led to Jack McCarron finding the Westmeath net in the 52nd minute. It was a pivotal moment and a hugely significant score, putting Monaghan into a five-point lead, 1-22 to 2-14, and they went on to add three unanswered points.

Two-pointers

Now a key part of the modern game, the two-pointers hurt Westmeath badly in the first half. Goalkeeper Rory Beggan kicked three two-point frees and there were another couple of two-pointers from play by the home side.

Westmeath generally struggled in this regard, but with the breeze at their backs for the second half, they managed two per Ronan Wallace (free) and Ray Connellan. Other shots dropped agonisingly short into the hands of Beggan.

It’s just one area Westmeath will need to work on and develop if they’re to build on this promising season.

Kickout strategy

Westmeath opted to go long more often than not, but Monaghan won the vast majority of the ball in the middle third and that gave them a serious platform. At times Westmeath were in a position to win James Mitchell’s kickout, but too often they came off second best.

Fatigue a factor

There is little doubt that the Westmeath campaign took its toll and there were tired bodies as the game entered the final 10 minutes. That was evident in some of the shooting late on, but in fairness, by that stage Monaghan had a serious grip on the game and they weren’t about to relinquish it.

Westmeath’s goal-scoring touch

Goals have been a feature of Westmeath’s campaign and they delivered two on Sunday. Matthew Whittaker’s goal after 19 minutes was a key score, his shot deflecting in off Monaghan’s Conor McCarthy to level the match, 1-5 to 0-8. Whittaker was excellent in the first half.

In the 27th minute, Westmeath got joy from a long Monaghan kickout and Shane Allen delivered first time, spotting Senan Baker in a good position. Rory Beggan could only break it down and Brandon Kelly latched on to the ball and finished to an empty net, making it 0-13 to 2-7, giving Westmeath every chance.

Monaghan’s second-half tweaks

There was obviously a big focus on Matthew Whittaker at half-time and Monaghan ensured he was tightly marked in the second half, with Oisín McGorman assigned to do a man-marking job. Whittaker has obviously been battling an ankle injury and would have naturally found it tougher as the game progressed, but he was well marshalled in the second half and in general, Monaghan got their match-ups right during the break - Sam McCartan also very closely watched by Stephen O’Hanlon, who was also very effective when he got on the ball.

Injuries a blow

Certainly injuries to key men like Ray Connellan and Daniel Scahill was a factor in Westmeath demise. They didn’t have Connellan’s influence for long - he came on in the 53rd minute for John Heslin - and the loss of his influence around midfield was a big factor in this game.

Impact off the bench

In the past Westmeath changes worked really well and some players inter-changed superbly, but on Sunday it never worked to the same degree. Robbie Forde did make an impression with two points and Ray Connellan kicked a great two-pointer, but in general, the big impact that was required from everyone didn’t materialise on the day. Westmeath have work to do on developing the strength of their panel and that has been shown in the past two games in particular. It is almost impossible for a weaker panel to win this championship under the current format with games coming at such frequency. Westmeath lost to Galway seven days before their trip to Clones and the massive effort in Salthill took its toll - that showed in the second half on Sunday.