Leinster sfc things can only get better after forgettable first half

Westmeath are eight points adrift of rivals Meath, and are indeed fortunate, not to be further adrift, after two rapid-fire goals from Bryan McMahon put the Royals firmly in control of today's Leinster SFC semi-final.

Things look bright for Westmeath after 24 minutes when Maryland's Kieran Martin found the net from close range, but Meath hit back with 2-2 in the space of a few minutes.

Huge questions hang over Westmeath's back six, with the loss of Killian Daly to injury exacerbating matters further.

John Heslin kicked four points for the Lake County, while Martin finished the half with 1-1.

McMahon, Eamon Wallace, key man Graham Reilly and captain Donal Keogan are among the gallery of Meath stars who impressed in the first half.