Westmeath had enjoyed a fast opening 11 minutes of the game after which they led 1-04 to nil but a green jersey goal after 39 minutes left Meath trailing by just two points at the break 1-07 to 1-05.

Trailing 1-14 to 1-09 after 57 minutes, Meath had midfielder Anthony Moyles sent off but almost immediately, Ollie Murphy crashed home a goal to spur their revival.

With five minutes remaining, substitute Ray Magee brought the sides level after which Westmeath full-back David Mitchell was red-carded.

30 seconds into injury time, Meath took the lead for the first time though a Trevor Giles free which turned out to be the winning score.