London 0-12
Carlow 0-13
CARLOW PULLED OFF their second championship win of the year as they scraped by London by just a single point in Ruislip.
In dramatic closing stages, each side had a player sent off, but the visitors held on to book their place in the next round of the qualifiers.
After shocking Wexford and then giving a spirited performance, but falling to the hand of Dublin in Leinster, Turlough O’Brien’s side headed to McGovern Park in high confidence.
It was they who drew first blood through Darragh Foley, before a Rory Mason free-kick for the Exiles had the game tied on two points a-piece as the ten minute mark neared.
Opening a slight gap, Carlow were spared as Liam Gavaghan’s effort was saved.
The game was tit-for-tat for much of the first half, with three wides recorded by each heading for the break, and the scoreline reading 0-7 to 0-5 in favour of the visitors.
On the restart, London had a goal opportunity, but Mark Gottsche opted for the point, before Carlow extended their lead.
Then came the first of two marching orders.
Jarlath Branagan saw his second yellow card as he was involved in a tussle and London were reduced to 14 men, before Carlow’s Brendan Murphy followed suit just minutes later. He was dished a second yellow for grabbing former Tyrone star Owen Mulligan by the neck.
With two points in it, London battled hard and pulled one back but Carlow held on to run out winners in Ruislip, and march on in the qualifiers.
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A neutral venue that is not in either competing teams county would be fair.
@Derek delaney: Semple Stadium or Nolan.Park would be fair.
All sounds great…… For people living in Dublin.
Why not play it in Limerick seen as the first match was played in Dublin. That’s not going to happen I know!!! Just make sure when they pick a venue the pitch is good condition
Just play it in Croker again. The players have earned it.