Down 1-21
London 1-21

Down and London must replay their Christy Ring Cup semi-final in Ruislip next weekend after extra-time failed to separate them in Pairc Esler today.

The teams were deadlocked at 1-16 apiece at the end of 70 minutes and the additional 20 minutes still couldn't separate them. It was close throughout with London taking an early 0-3 to 0-2 lead, only for hosts to grab the next two points - including a kicked effort from Michael Turley - to edge in front.

The sides were level on two further occasions before Andy Savage and Paul Braniff gave the Ardsmen a two-point lead. Martin Finn's excellence from frees kept London in touch before Down opened up a 0-10 to 0-7 advantage thanks to scores from Braniff, Savage and Paul Sheehan.

A goal from substitute Tony Dunne tied up the scoring once again before the home side grabbed the last point of the first half to take a 0-12 to 1-8 lead into the break.

It was looking good for Down when they restored their three-point advantage after the restart, but they were then dealt a major blow when star forward Braniff was sent off on a straight red card following an off-the-ball incident.

The drama continued when London goalkeeper Tommy Williams had a penalty saved, but they refused to lie down and their numerical advantage was a big factor in them turning a four-point deficit into a three-point lead with time almost up. There was one final twist, however, when London defender Colm Quinn was issued with a second yellow card for a clumsy tackle, and Conor Woods blasted the resultant free to the net to force extra-time.

The home side were a point to the good at half-time in extra-time and doubled their advantage in the second period before London rallied to draw and leave Wicklow guessing who their final opponents will be in Croke Park on June 9. Tweet

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