Westmeath have booked their Joe McDonagh Cup final ticket thanks to a 2-19 to 1-20 win over Antrim in TEG Cusack Park today.
Michael Ryan's charges made it four wins from as many outings with their goals arriving in the first-half courtesy of Ciaran Doyle and Niall O'Brien.
After an impressive first-half showing, the home side took a 2-12 to 0-10 lead into the break but, to their credit, Antrim improved considerably after the break.
A 48th minute goal from substitute Kealon Mooley helped them to get back on level terms by the 51st minute.
Neil McManus - who finished with 0-13 (seven frees) to his name - edged the visitors ahead two minutes later.
The Lake County appeared to be on the ropes but scores from Liam Varley, Niall Mitchell and top scorer Alan Devine helped to settle their nerves and they went on to claim a merited victory.
The hosts finished with 14 men after corner-back Brendan Doyle picked up a second yellow card.
Westmeath - P Carroll; S Power, T Doyle, B Doyle; L Varley (0-2), P Greville (0-1), D McNicholas; E Price, J Boyle; A Clarke (0-1), R Greville (0-1), N O'Brien (1-2); A Devine (0-7, 3f, 3'65), N Mitchell (0-3), C Doyle (1-2). Subs: J Gilligan for J Boyle, D Clinton for C Doyle.
Antrim - R Elliott; A Graffin, J Dillon (0-1), C McKinley; S McCrory, P Burke (0-1), D Kearney; J McNaughton, E Campbell (0-1); C McCann (0-2), N McManus (0-13, 7f), N Elliott (0-1); E McCloskey, C Johnston (0-1), C Clarke. Subs: K Molloy (1-0) for E McCloskey, D McKinley for J McNaughton, D McCloskey for N Elliott.
Referee - R McGann.
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