Goals key as London and Meath advance in Christy Ring Cup

Goals were key for both London and Meath as they advanced to the Christy Ring Cup semi-finals next weekend, following wins over Derry and Kildare respectively this afternoon.

At Celtic Park, hosts Derry succumbed to the exiles by 3-11 to 1-15 in a highly entertaining clash.

London led by 3-10 to 0-6 at half-time, with netting their goals, but were forced to withstand a strong Derry comeback on the restart.

Amazingly the Exiles only scored two points in the closing 35 minutes, as Derry looked a lot sharper in front of the posts.

London didn't show any ill effects of their long journey to the North West and fired on all cylinders early on.

The visitors led by 1-4 to 0-1 after 19 minutes, and although Derry cut the gap to five points by the 32nd minute, goals from Luke Hand (2) and Martin Finn ensured a 12-point interval lead.

Paddy Henry and Alan Grant were among those who led the Derry resurgence, but Derry also spurned some clear-cut goal opportunities during the closing 35 minutes.

Henry netting Derry's lone goal, but the Oak Leafers left too big a mountain to climb in the second half as London held out for victory.

Meath avenged their Division 2B Allianz League final defeat to Kildare, by recording a 1-16 to 0-16 win over the Lilywhites at Pairc Tailteann, Navan.

Kildare led the Royals by 0-7 to 0-6 after 22 minutes following excellent scores from Paul Divilly, David Harney, Conor Kenny and Thurles Sarsfields clubman John Enright.

However, Meath bounced back with the lone goal of the contest coming from James Kelly, to take a 1-8 to 0-7 interval lead.

The Royals hit six first half wides, but this mattered little as they continued to look strong on the restart, with Stephen Clynch among those to the fore.

Three points separated the sides with 10 minutes remaining, but Meath continued to hold firm to register a last-four berth.