Derry 1-12
London 2-8
WITH several key attackers ruled out through injury London suffered a disappointing Christy Ring Cup defeat at Owenbeg on Saturday afternoon.
Fergus McMahon's team battled until the bitter end, but Paddy Henry converted a last gasp 65 to earn Derry a place in the semi-finals of the competition.
London now face a tricky assignment against Down next weekend with the winner advancing to the penultimate stage.
It was a pity that London, who were forced to start without Bernard Gaffney and Martin Duggan, suffered a loss because they contributed handsomely to a well contested encounter.
The Exiles were smart early on, with Michael Ivors prominent, reeling off four points without reply, but London wasted other decent scoring opportunities.
By the 23rd minute a Ruairi Convery free had the teams level at 0-4 each as the Derry defence restricted a London forward unit short of two crucial figures.
Despite not being at full strength London remained industrious, and a Mark O'Dwyer goal on the stroke of half-time edged the visitors 1-5 to 0-6 ahead at the break.
But the Oak Leafers were much improved after the restart as the influential Henry struck a major in the 37th minute.
That was a vital score, but London clawed their way back on level terms with eight minutes remaining when O'Dwyer rattled the Derry net again.
A dramatic finish followed as Derry substitute Niall Ferris and Peter Phelan traded points before Henry converted a pressure 65 to determine the outcome.
Scorers for Derry: P Henry 1-6 (4fs, 165), R Convery 0-3 (2fs), P Cleary 0-1, P McCloskey 0-1, N Ferris 0-1.
Scorers for London: P Phelan 0-6 (6fs), M O'Dwyer 2-0, N Rogers 0-1, T Healy 0-1.
Derry: D McDermott; M Warnock, C Quinn, C McCullagh; A Rafferty, C McSorley, K Hinphey; S McGuigan, B Quigley; P McCloskey, P Cleary, P Henry; A Kelly, R Convery, A Grant. Subs: D Flanagan for Quigley (54 mins), N Ferris for P McCloskey (50 mins), B Douban for A Kelly 64 mins.
London: J Barrett; C Hickey, L Gaule, K Fitzpatrick; T Healy, M Ryan, D Morkan; E Cooney, N Rogers; P Phelan, N Brophy, M O’Dwyer; M Ivors, K Coen, E Collins. Subs: P Murphy for K Coen (43 mins), C McAlinden for Collins (52 mins).
