Carlow boss Anthony Rainbow insisted he was proud of his players after their 11-point defeat to Westmeath.

"I thought we defended well in the first 20-25 minutes and we were frustrating Westmeath a small bit in the first period," the former Kildare star told the Irish Daily Star.

"They were finding it hard to penetrate us in certain areas. Unfortunately, we gave away two goals in quick succession and that put us on the back foot.

"We got off to a good start in the second half, but they are very clinical getting goals. Westmeath have been doing it all year and they put up another big score again today."

Rainbow defended the decision to leave talisman Brendan Murphy at full forward for almost the entire game, despite Carlow's difficulties in winning primary possession at centre field.

"Brendan scored five points today. Four from the full forward line, one from midfield and he set up the goal from the full forward line as well. I'd love to have 15 Brendan Murphys on the field all at once, but unfortunately we don't have that luxury," he added. Tweet

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