LONDON BOSS PAUL Coggins credited a trip to Knock with helping his side stave off a second-half fightback by Leitrim yesterday to reach their first ever Connacht senior football final.
London led 2-10 to 0-2 at half-time, but Leitrim staged a determined comeback and the Exiles hung on to set up a final meeting with Mayo on July 21st.
The Connacht Council have confirmed that Elvery’s McHale Park will be the venue for the game with throw-in at 2pm.
There had been uncertainty over the venue for the game with Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon unavailable due to capacity issues.
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But London will now be in action in the home of Mayo football for their first ever provincial senior football final.
And Coggins hailed his side’s character and commitment following yesterday’s clash.
“Thank God we went to Knock on Saturday on the way. Something happened to make us hold on at the end. It was difficult.
“We went in at half-time and we didn’t think that the game was over in any shape or form. You try to keep peoples minds on it.
“Look it took them lads every inch of effort they put in all year came through in the end. We didn’t want to concede a goal, that was the major thing.
“When they got one it really was backs to the wall stuff, but we came out on top. It is great to get to play four matches in Connacht and great credit must go to the backroom staff and to the lads’ sacrifices, effort, and commitment.”
London now face a daunting task to prevail against Mayo, who will be raging-hot favorites as they chase a third successive Connacht crown.
“We we will give it our best shot,” says Coggins. “We know how good Mayo are and we will go in with a competitive spirit because that is what we are about. We will give it our best effort possible.”
The London players celebrate
INPHO/Mike Shaughnessy
London boss Paul Coggins: 'Thank God we went to Knock on Saturday'
LONDON BOSS PAUL Coggins credited a trip to Knock with helping his side stave off a second-half fightback by Leitrim yesterday to reach their first ever Connacht senior football final.
London led 2-10 to 0-2 at half-time, but Leitrim staged a determined comeback and the Exiles hung on to set up a final meeting with Mayo on July 21st.
The Connacht Council have confirmed that Elvery’s McHale Park will be the venue for the game with throw-in at 2pm.
There had been uncertainty over the venue for the game with Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon unavailable due to capacity issues.
But London will now be in action in the home of Mayo football for their first ever provincial senior football final.
And Coggins hailed his side’s character and commitment following yesterday’s clash.
“Thank God we went to Knock on Saturday on the way. Something happened to make us hold on at the end. It was difficult.
“We went in at half-time and we didn’t think that the game was over in any shape or form. You try to keep peoples minds on it.
“Look it took them lads every inch of effort they put in all year came through in the end. We didn’t want to concede a goal, that was the major thing.
“When they got one it really was backs to the wall stuff, but we came out on top. It is great to get to play four matches in Connacht and great credit must go to the backroom staff and to the lads’ sacrifices, effort, and commitment.”
London now face a daunting task to prevail against Mayo, who will be raging-hot favorites as they chase a third successive Connacht crown.
“We we will give it our best shot,” says Coggins. “We know how good Mayo are and we will go in with a competitive spirit because that is what we are about. We will give it our best effort possible.”
The London players celebrate
INPHO/Mike Shaughnessy
All-Ireland senior football round 2 draw takes place
In pics: London celebrate making their first ever Connacht final
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Connacht Glory Exiles Manager Paul Coggins London Victory