NY GAA- Westmeath beaten by chastened Stanford

After being demolished by Leitrim 4-12 to 0-4 last Sunday, Westmeath figured to either come out breathing fire or just lay down and die. In truth, neither happened. The Lake County crew tried hard but too many players that featured earlier in the season were missing on Sunday evening.
Stamford, who have had troubles enough of their own this season met with little resistance as they built a 2-8 to 0-4 half time advantage.
Tom Williams pointed after only 30 seconds had elapsed and Ollie Crowe, Emmit Killeen, and Niall Bergin led the hungry Stamford attack. Eric Bradley worked hard at midfield and the Stamford backs, though rarely trouble were well able for whatever attack Westmeath could muster.
Half time came with the unusual specter of a manhunt for Westmeath center back Peader Reynolds’ wedding ring. It was strange and likely mystifying sight as players, managers, and umpires alike searched Gaelic Park’s greenery for that gold band.
The news was bad for Reynolds on the wedding band front, and it was no better football-wise as Westmeath never raised a gallop in the second half. P.J. Ward accounted for the first point of the stanza for Westmeath, but that was it.
Stamford took over and substitute Malachy McHugh added the capper with a fine goal just before the final whistle.

Man of the Match: Emmit Killeen

Referee John Fitzpatrick

Stamford
Phil Wickham, Justin O’Halloran, Pat Coyne, Aiden Kiely, Mike Murphy, Richie Purcell, Kevin Newell, Jason Killeen (0-1), Eric Bradley (1-1), Sean Collins (1-0), Emmit Killeen (0-4, 1 50), Ollie Crowe (0-2), Tom Williams (0-1), Niall Bergin (0-4), Keith Hennessey Sub: Malachy McHugh (1-0)

Westmeath
Chris Clarke, Mike Greene, Peter Dalton, Ray Reynolds, Tom Quinn, Peader Reynolds, Leon Carberry, Darren Petit (0-1), Paul Dillon (0-1), James Stones (0-1), P.J. Ward (0-1), Gerry McDermott, Pat Kenny, Frank Kavanagh, Barney Healy (0-1)