Leitrim stay top in Allianz NFL Division 4 after hard fought victory over London in Ruislip

Leitrim maintained their perfect start to the 2023 Allianz NFL Division 4 campaign when three second half goals from Keith Beirne, Donal Wrynn and Tom Prior saw them past the stubborn challenge of London in McGovern Emerald Park on Sunday.

For the second week in a row, Leitrim hit the opposition net three times in the second period as those scores proved crucial as the Exiles kept the pressure on Andy Moran's side all the way to the finish.

It is the first time since the 2019 campaign that Leitrim have registered two wins in their opening two League games and 2019 is the last time the Green & Gold won promotion from the Division.

Not much thought for player welfare

THE LAST POINT

Leitrim stay top of the table thanks to their superior scoring difference over a Laois side who recorded their second win of their campaign thanks to a 1-18 to 1-13 victory over Wexford in Laois Hire O'Moore Park while Sligo had their first win of the campaign when they saw off Wicklow in Aughrim on a 0-18 to 0-12 scoreline to get their campaign up and running.

In Saturday's Division 4 clash, Carlow made the journey to the SETU grounds outside Waterford a profitable one as they maintained their unbeaten start with a 1-11 to 0-10 victory over the home side, following on their draw the first day out against with Wexford.

Leitrim got off to a perfect start in Ruislip with two Evan Sweeney points and one each from Keith Beirne and Jack Heslin inside the first 11 minutes. London opened their account through Liam Gavaghan with Keith Beirne replying but points from Gavaghan and Christopher Duggan cut the gap back to three at halftime after yet another Beirne point.

London did lose Michael Clarke to a black card in the first half but two Chris Farley points early in the second half cut the gap to a point. Jordan Reynolds replied for Leitrim but Keith Beirne hit 1-1 to open up a six point gap after 49 minutes. Points from Farley and James Gallagher kept a resolute London in touch but a Donal Wrynn free going straight to net gave Leitrim a massive boost with 15 minutes to go.

Bigger challenges down the road for Leitrim Ladies says Garrity after perfect start to the League

Despite losing Henry Walsh to a red card, London refused to throw in the towel and six unanswered points had the gap back down to two points with seven minutes to go. A Jordan Reynolds point lifted the pressure but with six minutes to go, the sides were level when Daniel Clarke shot to the Leitrim net.

Leitrim's response was deadly with Tom Prior repeating his goal scoring super sub act by finding the net just a minute later and Leitrim would see out the victory with two Keith Beirne points matching scores from Gavaghan and Gallagher.

Leitrim's next game is an away trip to take on Wexford on Sunday February 19.