Westmeath await

Fresh from their expected score-fest against Waterford last week the real business starts for Meath in the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers when they take on old rivals Westmeath in Mullingar on Saturday evening, 7.0 with Kevin Reilly likely to miss out and Stephen Bray still on the doubtful list. The 'house full" signs should be up at Cusack Park for this latest encounter between the neighbours who have produced plenty of tight games between them in recent times. However, events of the past few weeks have put a another perspective on matters with Meath showing that they are on something of an upward curve while Westmeath have indicated that they are slipping towards meltdown. One of the most pertinent questions that emerged from Dublin"s 27-point trouncing of Westmeath last month was just how good is Pat Gilroy"s side? More relevant for Meath at this juncture is the question: Just how bad are Westmeath? The evidence at Croke Park a few weeks ago is that Tomás ' Flatharta"s side is currently experiencing a deep recession brought on by injuries and an alarming crisis of confidence that Dublin exposed with ruthless efficiency. Seldom has a team shown up at Croke Park for a championship match so ill-prepared for the battle that ensured. It was a black day indeed for Westmeath and because of that Meath should be warned. Stung, embarrassed and most probably bewildered by what unfolded against the Sky Blues the Westmeath players will be anxious to show their supporters they are not as bad as the Croke Park debacle indicated. They will be seeking redemption and what better way to do that than to lower the colours of the 'auld enemy" in a championship game. No doubt Westmeath will have closely studied Meath"s 1-20 to 0-8 demolition of Waterford and seen the Royal County move the ball around with confidence and panache. Some might point out that it was 'only" Waterford however, it is surely far more preferable to go into a game on the back of a 15-point victory than a 27-point defeat. Meath can also point to the fact that they lost to Dublin by only two points although the pessimists among the Royal County support will point to the slew of opportunities missed by Dublin. Manager Eamonn O"Brien is unlikely to have Reilly available to him as the Navan O"Mahonys player is affected by a combination of hamstring and back problems. Reilly could only train for 15 minutes last week and he is becoming increasingly frustrated by the recurring injury problems. O"Brien expressed his concern after the Waterford game about the lack of goal-scoring opportunities created by his charges. Unusually the Meath manager also hit out at the workrate of his charges. This is a particularly sensitive subject considering that some players were criticised for not trying hard enough in certain stages of last year"s championship. O"Brien also expressed some concern about the Meath defence in the lop-sided encounter with the Munster side and added that his players were making a 'prisoner' of the ball, and not showing the sharpness needed to open up defences. No doubt he will have taken steps to address these issues this week. Encouragingly for Meath Joe Sheridan appears to be back to near his best while Nigel Crawford continues to produce some barnstorming displays in midfield. Brian Meade impressed against Waterford and looks certain to partner Crawford once again. The ability of Chris O"Connor and Cormac McGuinness to pushed up and pick off points could be a crucial factor. Jamie Queeney took his goal against Waterford with aplomb and could feature again. Nine players scored against the Munster side, an encouraging sign. Anthony Moyles may well be charged with the task of keeping tabs on the richly talented Denis Glennon, a player capable of conjuring up a little magic that can turn a game. Gary Connaughton, John Keane, Derek Heavin, Dessie Dolan, Martin Flanagan and Fergal Wilson are also experienced, accomplished players who will be anxious to make up for the Croke Park debacle. Meath, however, go into the game on the back of a big win. Confidence will be buoyant and they should possess too much firepower for the home side and earn a place in the draw for the next round on Sunday evening.