By Shaun Casey

PROMOTION won’t be gained anywhere this weekend, but it could be lost at Páirc Esler. Down and Westmeath are the favourites to make a swift return to Division Two and the winners of Saturday’s encounter will take a massive step towards that target.

The two counties have trodden similar journey’s over the last few years. Three years ago, Down just missed out on promotion from Division Three due to their defeat to Cavan, while Westmeath finished just below the Mourne men.

In 2024, both counties made up for it by finishing in the top two spots. Down’s only point dropped in the entire campaign was a round six draw with Westmeath while the Leinster men gained the upper hand at Croke Park in the Division Three league final.

Both teams could count themselves very unfortunate to be relegated from the second tier last season, showing enough over the course of the seven games, and the recent All-Ireland series, that they belonged at that level.

But this is where they find themselves, fighting it out in Division Three once again. Down and Westmeath command two of the top three positions at the minute, with an in-form Wexford side at the top of the tree due to score difference.

Talking of score difference, both Westmeath and Down are +6 from their opening two outings. Both have beaten Clare by five points, and both have displayed a willingness to put up big scores.

Pat Havern has been his usual prolific self so far this season, kicking 0-9 in their wins over the Banner County and Limerick while Odhrán Murdock has racked up an impressive haul of 1-3 from midfield.

Daniel Guinness has been outstanding having top scored with 0-10 across two games while Ceilum Doherty’s switch from man-marking defender to play-making centre half-forward has paid dividends for Conor Laverty’s men.

For Westmeath, with Donegal man and 2012 All-Ireland winner Mark McHugh in charge, Sam McCartan and Luke Loughlin, who have evenly shared 0-16 between them, are the players to watch in attack.

The 2022 Tailteann Cup winners have scored four goals this season, with three of those coming from the half-back line. Jonathan Lynam nailed a brace of majors against Sligo while Ronan Wallace chipped in with 1-2 in their win over Clare.

This one has the potential to be a shootout, but it’s all about who lands the knockout blow.

Home advantage may just be the difference-maker and whoever comes out on top will take a huge leap towards Division Two.