Cavan survive London rally to take victory in Ruislip

London's promotion hopes were put to bed by Cavan who left the English capital with promotion to Division 3 all but secured after a nervy one-point victory

Despite a late rally by the Exiles at McGovern Park in Ruislip, their slow start in the first half came back to haunt them.

Cavan, on the other hand, hit the ground running from the word go and were on the board in the first minute.

Caoimhín O'Reilly and Cormac O'Reilly got the Breffnimen's first two scores before Jason McLaughlin and Patrick Lynch took over to put their side four up, with Lynch then rattling the net as the visitors hit cruise control.

The momentum Mickey Graham's men had was halted when James Smith was given a black card in the 11th minute.

London, despite their numerical advantage, failed to utilise the extra man and Cavan were allowed to continue their fine start with Killian Clarke putting them eight points to the good.

James Hynes would eventually get London on the board before Henry Walsh scored a brilliant goal to turn the game into a contest. He followed up his green flag with a lovely point to give the home support something to shout about.

Gearóid McKiernan hit three points before the break with two coming from frees to give the 2020 Ulster champions a six-point advantage at the break.

London were a completely different side on the resumption and showed the fight they lacked in the first.

After Cavan opened their second-half account through Gerard Smith, the hosts replied with scores from James Hynes and Christopher Farley to make it a five-point game.

Liam Gavaghan contributed 0-05 in the second period to keep up London's momentum

Points from Jason McLoughlin and Conor Madden, however, in the closing stages proved vital for Cavan.

A Henry Walsh point