Sign up to The Irish Times Archive (1859 - 2008)My Account »

Crossmaglen (Armagh) 1-8 Neasden Gaels (London) 0-5:CROSSMAGLEN RANGERS had to call on all their vast experience before finally seeing off a plucky Neasden Gaels at Ruislip yesterday. In the end there were six points between the teams but that scoreline did not reflect the competitive nature of this entertaining match before a sizeable attendance at the west London venue.

Since Crossmaglen are no strangers at London GAA headquarters they were well aware of the task they faced on what was their fourth visit since December 1998. Despite the visitors having the benefit of a strong wind in opening half, they failed to open a significant lead until they kicked three unanswered points in the last eight minutes of the half after a Peader Friel pointed free opened the scoring for the hosts in the seventh minute.