WITH the Meath panel in Dubai on holiday, the county's second string side put up a creditable performance against Westmeath in Mullingar yesterday when they lost by only two points.

Ronan Fitzsimons punched a goal for Meath as they held the initiative for the first 20 minutes, leading 1-3 to 0-3. However, Westmeath fought back to be level at the break.

Substitute Martin Flanagan created goals for Ger Heavin and Joe Fallon and his 42nd-minute point left his team comfortably ahead by 2-10 to 1-5.

But it was Meath, typically, who finished the stronger and two goals from Gordon Codd set up an exciting finish.

Westmeath: D Ryan; K McKinley, R Casey, F Murray; D Healy (0-1), A Canning, D Mitchell; R O'Connell, A Corcoran; D Heavin (0- 1), J Cooney, S Deering (0-1), J Fallon (1-3); P Conway, G Heavin (1-3). Subs: M Flanagan (0-3) for P Conway (inj), P Rouse for F Murray, M Staunton for S Deering, D Gavin for A Canning, L Gillivan for D Heavin.

Meath: J Curry; C McGrath, D Callaghan, R McGrath; D Kealy, A Moyles (0-1), I McManus; J Cullinane, V Reynolds; N McGillick (0-1), G Codd (2-1), B Smyth; K Dowd (0-1), R Fitzsimons (1-0), R Farrelly (0-3). Subs: E Grogan for B Smyth, N Horan for J Cullinane, F McMahon for N McGillick, E Reilly for C McGrath.

Referee: C Buckley (Offaly).