London win ensures Division 2 survival
 LONDON
ensured that their NHL Division 2 status remains intact for at least one
more year after they came out on top in a low-scoring relegation semi-final
with Roscommon at Fingallians in Swords, Dublin.
The woodwork came to the Exiles rescue in the dying seconds when Roscommon
half-back Liam Murray saw his splendid drive cannon back agonisingly off
the crossbar. In truth London should never have allowed themselves be
dragged into such a nail-biting finale as they had ample opportunity especially
in the first-half to wrap up the match.
A gorgeous spring afternoon provided perfect conditions for hurling but
the players played as if caught in the midst of a storm skewing 20 wides
between them in the opening period. The scoreline at the interval of 0-3
to 0-1 in favour of London summed up a paltry first-half.
Low-scoring aside the Exiles certainly looked the more dangerous of the
two sides. Their defence coped solidly with Roscommon’s sporadic
attacks with Meath man Fergus McMahon impressing at centre-half while
Cork native Brian Foley did his best to dictate things from midfield.
But their failure to convert their chances into scores severely hampered
their progression. They did not succeed in scoring a solitary point for
the last 25 minutes of the half. Kevin McMullen saw London’s best
chance of the half saved by Roscommon goalkeeper Liam Casey minutes before
the interval
The goalmouth action the game craved finally arrived early in the second
period. Corkman Brian Foley latched on to an Eddie Carey long ball to
plant the ball into the Roscommon net after recovering from an initial
air shot. This was quickly followed by a fine strike from Sean Kelly.
London finally had the advantage their dominance warranted.
Unfortunately they failed to press it home. In fact they went through
a barren spell while the deadly Ray Mulry dragged the Connacht men back
into the game with four well-taken points in 10 minutes. Then midfielder
Mervyn Connaughton brought it to within two.
Thankfully London were able to regroup and stop the rot with two scores
from Ryan. Substitute Barry Dolan was unlucky to miss two genuine goal
attempts as the final whistle approached which could have saved his side
the hairy last few minutes. Still the Exiles were able to hold on for
a merited victory and guarantee their Division 2 survival.
Roscommon must beat Wicklow in the relegation final if they wish to do
likewise.
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