By Shaun Casey

WHEN Down players and supporters leave the Páirc Esler ground on Saturday evening, they’ll have a clearer picture of where their survival hopes sit. A defeat to Westmeath could send them spinning back to Division Three after just one season in the second tier.

It wouldn’t be confirmed there and then, but Down’s chances of securing their league status would hang on Cork losing their final two games, and the Mourne men beating promotion-chasers Monaghan in the final round.

That’s the doomsday scenario out of the way. On a more positive note, a triumph over Dermot McCabe’s winless side will offer Down a chance to stay in the division as they head to Clones on the final day.

For all the positivity surrounding Conor Laverty’s side at the minute, it’s a ruthless, results driven business and while their performances have been high in quality, they haven’t been putting the points on the board.

In fact, they’ve only picked up one victory in five games, with that outstanding comeback against Cork in early February still their sole win. Three defeats on the bounce have followed and that leaves Down fighting for their lives.

They have been impressively competitive in all five outings and have lost by three, one and two points respectively against Meath, Louth and Cavan. Had things gone a little differently, Down could be looking up rather than down.

But this is where they are and Laverty’s lads will relish the battle. They gave up their unbelievable Newry record in round three against the Royals and will be keen to get that back on track.

This Down team don’t usually lose at home and Mourne followers will hope that the recent defeat to Meath will simply be a blip rather than a new trend. Laverty and his team will hope the same.

Westmeath, who won Division Three last year, beating Down in the final, have struggled throughout the campaign but like this week’s opponents, they’ve put in a number of solid shifts this season.

Louth beat them by two on the opening day. Cork by the minimum of margins. Cavan only had four points to spare against the Lake County. Meath needed a late and controversial goal to see off their Leinster foes.

So Down will know that while they are the favourites to come out on top on Saturday night, McCabe’s men won’t be travelling north just to make up the numbers. It could go right down to the wire, and the home side may just have enough to edge it.

Check out this week’s podcast with Ronan O’Neill and Shaun Casey, looking ahead to this week’s action. The podcast is brought to you in association with Hastings Everglades Hotel