Smyth leads the way for Longford in defeat for Westmeath U21s

Yet more disappointment – and again, by the narrowest of margins – came Westmeath's way in the Leinster U21 football championship, as the Lake County lost 0-9 to 0-8 at the hands of Longford earlier tonight.

Robbie Smyth kicked six points for the O'Farrell men, who led 0-5 to 0-3 at half time, always managing to keep their noses in front.

Ray Connellan and sub Eoin Monaghan (0-2 each) led the scoring for Paul Bealin's charges, but luck just wasn't on heir side, with the crucial score coming in the 41st minute, when Kildare referee Fergal Barry overruled his umpires to award Longford a point.

Tonight's replay at St Loman's Lakepoint Park came after a late Ger Leech point clinched a 1-12 to 0-15 draw in last week's first outing at Newtowncashel.

Westmeath: Michael McMahon; John Rock, Killian Daly, Jack Donoghue (0-1); David Lynch, Paddy Holloway, David Whelan; Dean McNicholas (0-1), David McCormack; Seanie Daly, Ger Leech, Alan Coffey; Ray Connellan (0-2f), Lorcan Dolan (0-1), Shane Dempsey (0-1). Subs: Eoin Monaghan (0-2) for McNicholas (35), Martin Rock for Leech (55).