He couldn't get his range in the first half, but after hitting three points against Roscommon last week, Dessie Ward is finally on the scoresheet as he points for Monaghan.

The Farneymen turn over the Westmeath kickout and Jack McCarron curls over his third of the afternoon to give Monaghan the lead once again.

Robbie Forde gets Westmeath off to a fast start here in the second half to nudge the visitors in front.

The action resumes in Clones.

There is no changes for either side at half-time. Both sides have already made one substitution in the first half with Oisin McGorman coming on for Monaghan midfielder Karl Gallagher while Brian Cooney has gone off at the same position for Westmeath with Robbie Forde in his place.

Rory Beggan has once again shown his immense worth to this Monaghan side with three two-point frees in that first half. Micheal McCarville has kicked another from play for the Farneymen, but lapses in concentration at the back have been punished and goals from Brandon Kelly and Matthew Whittaker have Westmeath level and their vocal following buoyant at the break.

This one could go either way. Stay with us to see how the second half transpires.

And another Offaly goal! This time Kelly turns provider for Adam Screeney to find Patrick Collins' net.

Oisin Kelly drills home a goal for the Faithful but it's firmly in the consolation bracket with the game heading into the final quarter.

Brandon Kelly does level for Westmeath just before the hooter sounds for half-time and the teams go in with nothing between them at the break.

Kevin O'Sullivan is on the scoresheet to bring Westmeath back to within one and they have a chance to get level with the ball here before the hooter.

It's another chance from outside the paint for Beggan, this time closer in, and it's the same result as the Scotstown man once again nails his kick. His third two-point free of the day and Monaghan are back in front with five minutes of the first half to go.

We're level again as Brandon Kelly passes to the net. Rory Beggan broke the ball around his own 14-yard line, but it fell to Kelly and he rolled the ball into the net after a Sam McCartan point brought the Lake County to within three.

Jack McCarron has been tremendous for Monaghan during this Championship, not least that dramatic leveller in the Ulster semi-final against Derry. His importance to Monaghan has grown throughout the summer and he's just pushed Monaghan's lead to four.

Cork showing no signs of easing up in Thurles as Brian Hayes cracks home his third goal of the day from close range.

The margin of victory is the only question that remains now.

Andrew Woods with the outside of the left boot shoots across the ball and sends it over for two beautifully. Jack McCarron quickly tags on a single after Stephen O'Hanlon and Matthew Whittaker had traded scores.

Just like that the Monaghan lead is wiped out as Matthew Whittaker drives past Micheal McCarville and fires past Rory Beggan.

We are level after 19 minutes.

At his ease, Beggan lofts the free right between the posts for his second two-pointer. Monaghan's third of the game and their lead is three.

Tadhg Baker ghosts in behind the Monaghan defence and pops one over the bar for Westmeath to bring them back to within one.

Rory Beggan has a chance here though now at another two-point free.

Captain Micheal Bannigan strokes over a free for Monaghan to increase their advantage.

Senan Baker was screaming for that ball off of Brandon Kelly with the goal at his mercy, but Kelly didn't spot him and instead just kicked a point. Let off for Monaghan there.

Fine start to this one between two evenly matched sides. What is noticeable is the volume of noise when the Westmeath defence comes out with the ball - their supporters have travelled well to Clones for this do-or-die contest.