Westmeath came away with a well-deserved 1-21 to 2-13 victory over Carlow at Netwatch Cullen Park this afternoon to progress to the Tailteann Cup semi-finals.

John Heslin was in impressive form for Jack Cooney's side and the full-forward contributed 1-9 (seven frees) of the Lake County's winning tally.

They enjoyed a whirlwind start when leading 1-4 to 0-1 in the 15th minute thanks to early points by Luke Loughlin, Heslin (free), Ronan O'Toole and Sam Duncan before Heslin dispatched the ball to Ciaran Cunningham's net.

Carlow, fresh from beating Tipperary, dragged themselves right back into the contest with two goals on 19 minutes and in injury-time, from Josh Moore and Niall Hickey, respectively, to narrow the gap to two points at half-time (1-10 to 2-5).

Westmeath stretched their lead again on the resumption, and while Colm Hulton and Darragh Foley converted to get Carlow back to within two of them, Cooney's charges ran out comfortable five-point winners.

The hosts finished with 14-men after Liam Roberts received a red card for a high challenge on Westmeath substitute Robbie Forde near the end.

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