Antrim avoid London defeat

The Exiles, who proved their Championship credentials last season with a shock qualifier win over Fermanagh, were keen to stage another upset.

That looked to be on the cards at half time with the hosts holding a three point lead with the scores 2-7 to 1-7 at the break.

Aodhan Gallagher had put Antrim in the driving seat with a first half goal, but London equalised with a goal of their own before Eoin O'Neill netted another three-pointer to give the hosts a three-point half time lead.

Liam Bradley's side looked stronger with the wind at their backs in the second half, but London stayed in touch until the closing stages when Kevin Niblock scored what proved to be the crucial goal.

London continued to press, but Antrim had done enough to seal a 2-11 to 2-9 victory and book their place in the second round.