By Michael McMullan

DOWN manager Ronan Sheehan said the focus is on getting at least four points from their remaining three games in the Joe McDonagh Cup.

After defeats to Carlow and Laois, the frontrunners for the title, Down face Westmeath on Saturday in Mullingar on the back of conceding 12 goals in two fixtures.

They will do so without the suspended Caolan Taggart following his red card against Laois.

Injured duo Ronan Beattie (shoulder) and Tom McGrattan (ACL) are also out of the equation, but Sheehan hopes Daithi Sands will be back in contention.

“In any one game we’ve either had only one of those available or none of them available to start and that’s made a difference to us,” Sheehan said, pointing to the next three games being within their reach.

After this weekend, Down have Kildare and Kerry coming down the tracks.

Beyond this season, Sheehan also pointed to the standard delivered by Carlow and Laois that provided a “warning shot” as to what Down will face in Division 1B next season.

“Against Carlow, we were frustrated on the basis that we played pretty well. I know it doesn’t look like that on the scoreline,” Sheehan said.

On another day, with a more clinical approach, Down could’ve been a handful of points ahead at half-time.

From their wide count, “nine or ten” of their missed chances were inside 40 yards. Scoreable opportunities.

Add in the fact, Carlow bagged 2-2 injury time to leave Down reflecting how different the outcome could’ve been from the 6-23 to 0-20 defeat.

Laois were ruthlessly efficient, hitting 2-13 before registering a wide. One goal coming after a Down free came down off the post. The other coming from a puckout in the aftermath of Phelim Savage almost grabbing a goal.

While Sheehan felt Taggart’s red and the double yellow for John McManus were harsh, referencing Laois getting away with too many steps on the way to a goal, Sheehan conceded it didn’t influence the result. The margin, but not the result.

“When you reflect on it we’re in a situation now whereby we’ve probably got our three most winnable games coming up,” he said.

Down and Westmeath played out a draw last season in Ballycran, while Sheehan’s charges have beaten Kerry and Kildare in the past.

“We’re away in Mullingar and we’re going to be missing CT (Taggart) who’s been suspended which is a blow,” Sheehan said of this weekend.

“We’re obviously going to be without both Tom and Ronan as well, although we are hoping that Daithi will be able to play some part.

“When you’re going into the Joe McDonagh which is always a difficult competition to hold your own in and hold your position.

“To be doing that with one hand tied behind your back is a challenge.

“It’s a challenge we’re up for and we’ve got three games now ahead of us and we’re hoping to get four points on the board at the very least and see where that takes us,” the Down boss added.