Derry keep their slim All Ireland hopes alive with a win against Westmeath

Derry progressed to the preliminary quarterfinal of the All Ireland after beating Westmeath 2-7 to 0-9.

Mickey Harte’s men ended a run of three consecutive defeats by beating the Leinster side in a tight affair. 

The Oak Leafers will be relieved to have kept their All Ireland hopes alive with the win and, in the process, eliminated their opponents. 

The current Division 1 National League champions will discover their opponents in Monday’s draw, knowing they face an away trip after finishing third in their group.

The task will not get any easier for Derry in their bid to win their first All Ireland since 1993, as they could face either Tyrone, Dublin, Mayo, Louth, or Monaghan in the next round.

In a game that was win or bust, Derry showed the character of champions to grind out the necessary win, but more will be expected as they face tougher tasks from this point on to secure the ultimate prize. 

But having earned their first win since March, they will hope they have turned the corner.