Westmeath 0-18 Louth 2-8 Reduced to 14 men just before the interval, visitors Louth were unable to overcome the handicap against a dominant Westmeath side in this crucial Alliance NFL Division Two A clash in Cusack Park, Mullingar, yesterday.

Aided by the breeze in the opening half, Westmeath looked sharp early on, with Martin Flanagan and Rory O'Connell ruling midfield.

Points from Flanagan, Feargal Wilson and young James Conroy set the home side on their way, while Nicky McDonnell and Simon Gerard conspired to keep the Wee County in touch.

Westmeath were to build on their lead with unanswered points from Conroy, Shane Colleary and Wilson.

In the 34th minute an off-the-ball incident involving Louth corner back Alan Page and Westmeath substitute Des Dolan led to Page's dismissal, with Dolan picking up a yellow card.

Despite the setback, the visitors finished strongly, with JP Rooney knocking over two pointed frees before the break to leave Westmeath leading 0-9 to 0-5.

Louth needed to strike early in the second half and it was Rooney who threw the visitors a lifeline.

He struck on the double to fire home two goals within the opening nine minutes. And when he pointed two frees the visitors found themselves in front.

However, the home side, who had suffered just one defeat in the campaign, refused to be denied and regained momentum with a Martin Flanagan point.

James Conroy, Des Dolan and JP Casey all found the target and while Rooney raised a late flag for Louth, further Dolan and Casey efforts insured victory for Westmeath.

By virtue of this success, the Lake County make a speedy return to the top flight and they now meet near neighbours Longford in what should be a mouth-watering Division Two semi-final in a fortnight's time.

WESTMEATH: G Connaughton; D Heavin, D Mitchell, K Henson; D Kilmartin, D Healy, D Gavin; R O'Connell, M Flanagan (0-3); B Morley, S Colleary (0-1), J Conroy (0-3); F Wilson (0-4), G Dolan, A Mangan (0-1). Subs: D Dolan (0-3) for Morley, JP Casey (0-3) for Mangan, D O'Donoghue for Henson, P Leavy for O'Connell, D O'Shaughnessy for Colleary.

LOUTH: S Reynolds; A Page, A Hoey, J Neary; S Gerard (0-1), P McGinnity, B Clarke; S O'Hanlon, K Reilly; P Keenan, C Grimes, N McDonnell (0-1); M Farrelly (0-1), C O'Hanlon, J P Rooney (2-5). Subs: D Brennan for Neary, D Reilly for Grimes, D Reid for C O'Hanlon.

Referee: Ger Lynch (Fermanagh).