Dessie backs players to ‘bounce back’ as Longford await

Dessie Dolan was naturally disappointed with the defeat to Cavan in his first league match as Westmeath manager - but he has backed his players to bounce back against Longford this Sunday.

"Cavan were very determined, they're stubborn. Mickey Graham is a shrewd man and, tactically, they did well. They gave us the kickouts but they were very hard to break down and we struggled to get scores. We were probably a bit wasteful with the ball at times," said Dolan afterwards.

"We were in good possession sometimes and gave the ball away. That happens at this time of the year. It takes a while to get to the pitch of National League football. It's a different intensity than you're used to in training."

Asked about unforced errors made by his team, Dolan said: "You'd love for the lads to go out and for everything to work well, but it's early in the season. They all tried really hard; we can't fault them for effort in the second half. A positive was Danny Scahill in at corner-back, he's only a gasun and was filling Jack Smith's shoes. That's really important for Westmeath to see a few young lads (coming through).

"I think the team that finished looked fairly strong," continued Dolan, but he stressed that last Sunday's game came too soon to start the likes of Ray Connellan, Luke Loughlin and David Lynch.

"Some of these guys are coming back from injury and we have to mind them as well. You have to be fair to lads. They can't just go from injury to playing in the National League. I have a duty of care to the players - to mind them and not throw them in at the deep end. We knew there wasn’t a full game in any of them. The result is disappointing, but I think the second half showed signs of encouragement."

The Westmeath boss felt his side had a chance to salvage something from the game when they reduced Cavan's lead to a single point near the end.

"It was frustrating. We were in good possession a few times. Cavan looked like they had tired a bit and there were opportunities. There was a fresh breeze and Raymond Galligan was kicking frees from Dunnes Stores nearly - there were massive kicks he was getting. That kept their noses in front.

"We have work to do, we know that, but the lads are good lads and they'll bounce back next weekend."

Westmeath started last Sunday's Division 3 clash without a number of key players and the injury to Jamie Gonoud has provided an additional headache. "It looked like Jamie picked up something there. In fairness to David Giles, he did well when he came on. We'll have to reassess how all the boys are," said Dolan.

"We need to keep developing younger players in Westmeath - that is something we have to do. The team that finished looked comfortable and were going well but, in the first half, we struggled to break down a very stubborn Cavan defence.

"I'd like to win every game, but it doesn't work like that. Cavan were very good today. Tactically they did very well in the first half when we had the (wind) advantage.

"We didn't hold the ball for long enough to get into positions to threaten them. We were forcing it a bit with the wind and Cavan had plenty of bodies back. Obviously, Luke (Loughlin) adds a lot to any team but he's just coming back from injury."

Asked about midfielder Sam Duncan (who missed Sunday's game), Dolan said: "He just picked up a niggle on Thursday night, he was assessed and unfortunately he wasn't available. If there is any man you'd want playing against Cavan, it’s probably Sam because he's robust and physical, and I think Cavan brought plenty of that today.

"The O’Byrne Cup was a competition which didn’t work out great this year, it kind of fell apart. That was unfortunate. Their preparation (in the McKenna Cup) sharpened them up a little bit and we showed a bit of rustiness.

"It's disappointing to lose the points at home but at the same time it was great to see a big Westmeath crowd there today. It's been a while since we had a crowd like that, and I think it's important that people are coming out to support the lads," he continued.

Dolan stressed the importance of responding to defeats and said the players have "the right attitude" in this regard.

That said, the Garrycastle clubman is expecting a difficult assignment in the local derby clash against Longford at Pearse Park on Sunday (2pm).

“They won the O'Byrne Cup two weeks ago. Paddy Christie is there and there seems to be a bit of momentum. I'm sure they're disappointed (after their defeat to Fermanagh last Saturday), so both teams are disappointed and will be looking for two points.

“Longford have always given us plenty of trouble over the years and I’m sure next Sunday will be no different," he added.