Antrim finally got off the mark in this year's Joe McDonagh Cup with a battling victory over London in difficult conditions at Ruislip, though Davy Fitzgerald’s side were made to sweat late on after allowing a comfortable lead to slip dangerously.
The Saffrons looked to have one foot over the line entering the final stages after stretching their advantage to 10 points, but a spirited late revival from the Exiles turned what seemed certain to be a routine finish into a tense conclusion. Despite the late wobble, Antrim held on to bring the points back across the Irish Sea and revive their campaign.
The opening period lacked real intensity and quickly became a battle of free-takers, with London’s Ronan McGrady and Antrim forward Seaan Elliott trading scores from placed balls. Elliott, outstanding throughout, kept the visitors ticking over during a scrappy first half as Antrim gradually edged in front to take a three-point cushion into the interval.
Antrim threatened to pull clear early in the second half when Paul Boyle opened the scoring after the restart, but London immediately responded. Paul Kennedy produced a brilliant solo goal after cutting in from the right wing, and another McGrady free soon had the sides level once more.
London enjoyed their best spell of the game at that stage, but Antrim responded impressively by slowing the game down and taking control around the middle third. Scores began to flow again for the visitors, with Conal Cunning’s superbly taken goal appearing to put daylight between the teams and effectively settle the tie.
To their credit, London refused to fade away. Captain Sean Glynn sparked renewed hope with a well-finished goal, although Antrim answered with three quick points to steady themselves. Jack Morrissey then blasted a free through a crowded square before substitute Conor Byrne struck the net in stoppage time to cut the gap to only three points and leave the home crowd dreaming of an unlikely escape.
Any hopes of a dramatic comeback were dashed moments later when Padraig Muldoon was sent off for throwing his hurley in an attempt to stop an Antrim breakaway. James McNaughton calmly converted the resulting free to seal the win.
London now face an uphill battle to avoid relegation with daunting fixtures against Carlow and Laois remaining, while Antrim will take confidence into upcoming home clashes with Westmeath and Carlow as they attempt to force their way back into contention.
Scorers – Antrim: S Elliott 0-08 (4f), C Cunning 1-03, J McNaughton 0-03 (3f), K Molloy 0-03, C Johnston, C Bohill, P Boyle, J McCloskey, R Donaghy 0-01 each.
London: R McGrady 0-05, (5f), P Kennedy, S Glynn 1-01 each, J Morrissey 1-00, N Fitzgerald, A Cunney 0-01 each.
London: M Kilgannon; A Cunney, P Muldoon, B Morrissey; N Fitzgerald, J Morrissey, J Loughnane; T Hanifin, R Lodge; N Quinlan, R McGrady, F Whelan; S Glynn, P Kennedy, E McGrath.
Subs: C Byrne for Whelan (46), N Eames for Lodge (36), S Whelan for Quinlan (60), D Leary for McGrath (67), E Kelly for Fitzgerald (68).
Antrim: C McFadden; R McNulty, P Burke, S Rooney; O Donnelly, N O'Connor, G Walsh; K Molloy, P Boyle; C Bohill, C Cunning, R McCambridge; J McNaughton, C Johnston, S Elliott.
Subs: J McCloskey for McCambridge (49), J McLaughlin for Bohill (51), R Donaghy for Elliott (59), R McCormick for Burke (65).
Referee: N Malone (Clare)
