Kieran McGeeney’s side were in complete control at the Athletic Grounds, winning by five points.
The Orchard county got off to a brisk start by landing four points within the opening 10 minutes of play with Conor Turbitt, Stefan Campbell, Tiernan Kelly and Conor O’Neill all on target.
But Westmeath certainly had no intention of playing second fiddle and with Ray Connellan and Ronan O’Toole in particular taking the fight to the opposition they lost no time in responding to their brisk start.
The busy Sam McCartan whisked over a quick-fire brace of points before O’Toole and the busy Robbie Forde brought the sides level again.
When Armagh launched a series of attacks in a bid to seize the initiative again, they found themselves unable to pierce the home rearguard.
It was left to centre-half-back Ciaran Mackin to find a way through which he did in the 30th minute to leave his side ahead at 0-5 to 0-4.
Armagh were then dealt a blow when Conor O’Neill was stretchered off after a clash with Gregory McCabe coming on in his place as the home side strove to get their noses further ahead.
But Westmeath remained defiant, funnelling back to thwart their hosts and frequently overturning possession. Armagh broke down both wings in a bid to discomfit the visitors but more often than not they were thwarted by Dessie Dolan’s side.
It was not until added time in the first half that Armagh registered another point when Rory Grugan converted a free to leave them 6-4 ahead. But it was an advantage which was short-lived as firstly O’Toole and then the long-serving John Heslin swept over points to ensure level pegging for the lively visitors once again.
Armagh, though, still managed to retain possession, ending the half with a 0-7 to 0-6 advantage.
Armagh strove to enhance their lead in the opening minutes of the second half when Turbitt, Grugan, Conaty and Murnin were all on target as the home side stretched their lead to 0-11 to 0-6 as Westmeath tried to find their feet under a brisk bout of pressure.
Their cause was not helped when they shot three wides in their bid to trim the home side’s lead.
Instead, it was Armagh who inched further in front when Andrew Murnin from play and Grugan from a free saw them take a 0-12 to 0-7 lead.
Westmeath brought on substitutes in a bid to regain a foothold in the game, but Armagh looked stronger in defence.
Westmeath did have their chances, however. McCartan rifled in a superb shot which Armagh goalkeeper managed to deflect past the post when a goal looked certain.
Substitute Aidan Nugent helped to put a gloss on Armagh’s finish by sweeping over two points while Grugan was on target yet again as the game meandered to a close.
A late point from Heslin saw Westmeath still adrift at 0-16 to 0-10 but Armagh remained firm in the closing minutes to secure a win that will give them fresh heart going into their difficult forthcoming qualifier games against Derry and Galway.
Scorers – Armagh: R Grugan 0-5 (2f), C Turbitt 0-3 (1f), O Conaty 0-2 and A Nugent 0-2 each, C O’Neill, C Mackin, T Kelly, S Campbell, (0-1 each). Westmeath: J Heslin 0-3 (2f), R O’Toole 0-2, S McCartan 0-2, K Maguire 0-2, R Forde 0-1, L Loughlin (0-1 each).
Armagh: B Hughes; B McCambridge, A McKay, P McGrane; C O’Neill, C Mackin, A Forker; T Kelly, B Crowley; J McElroy, R Grugan, S Campbell; O Conaty, A Murnin, C Turbitt. Subs: G McCabe for O’Neill (25 mins), O O’Neill for Crealey (half-time), A Nugent for Turbitt (59), J Og Burns for Murnin (68),
Westmeath: J Daly; J Gonoud, K Maguire, J Dolan; S McCartan, R Wallace, C Drumm; R Connellan, D McCormack; J Lynam, R O’Toole, C Dillon; L Loughlin, J Heslin, R Forde. Subs: M Whittaker for Dillon (37), D Lynch for Fire (54), K Martin for Gonoud (60), S Smith for Loughlin (68).
Referee: Conor Lane (Cork)
