Antrim call on survival instincts

Ulster SHC/Antrim 2-16 London 1-16: Antrim opened the defence of their Ulster title with a rather flattering five-point victory over London at Ruislip yesterday. The Rackard Cup winners were not expected to provide serious competition for Antrim but with just four minutes remaining only two points separated the sides.

Antrim led 1-6 to 0-7 at the break thanks to a goal from full forward Paddy Redmond but were grateful that Londospurned a great opportunity to reduce the deficit when substitute Seán Kelly sent his free wide.

Although held scoreless in the opening half, Antrim's Brian McFall soon made amends with his side's opening score in the second period.

After that score was immediately cancelled out by Jim Ryan, the third quarter was dominated by the visitors who outscored London by five points to three. Despite conceding an unlucky second goal after the sliotar came off the post in the 52nd minute, London continued to battle, inspired by a magnificent performance from centre back Fergus McMahon.

Points from a Mick Gordon free and Dara Smith kept London in contention, but a point from substitute Chris Hamill with 10 minutes remaining left the score Antrim 2-13 to 0-11. However, a goal from McMahon in the 63rd minute immediately followed by points from Dara Smith and Gordon left just three points between the sides with five minutes remaining.

Another Smith point cut the deficit to two points and Antrim had to call on their survival instincts, three points from Redmond Keegan and McFall eventually earning them a place in Sunday's semi-final against Down.

ANTRIM: D Quinn, B McAuley, M McCambridge, G Cunningham, M Molloy, K McKeegan (0-2), J Campbell, G Bell, C Herron, M Herron (0-1), B Delargy (0-1), D McKillop, J McIntosh (0-2f), P Redmond (1-3), B McFall (1-5, 0-1f). Subs: M Scullion for Bell, C Hamill (0-2) for Delargy, J Scullion for D McKillop, J McKernan for McCambridge.

LONDON: C O'Meara, S McLoughlin, E Leamy, B Forde, E Phelan, F McMahon (1-0), L Mannix, B Foley, E Carey (0-3f), S Quinn, P Fagan (0-1), M Gordon (0-3), K McMullen, J Ryan (0-1), D Smith (0-4). Subs: S Kelly (0-2 f) for Fagan, M Traynor for McMullen.

Referee: A Heagney (Clare)