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Allianz FL D4: Antrim, Derry, and Waterford earn victories

Derry manager Damian McErlain.

Derry manager Damian McErlain.

Allianz Football League Division Four

ANTRIM 1-13 LONDON 1-8

DERRY 2-8 WICKLOW 0-9

WATERFORD 5-4 WEXFORD 0-12

Derry and Leitrim took huge steps towards promotion this weekend as their respective wins saw them open up a four-point lead at the top of the Allianz NFL Division Four standings.

Leitrim picked up a last gasp victory over Limerick in Kilmallock on Saturday afternoon, while Derry reclaimed top spot on scoring difference when they secured a 2-8 to 0-9 win over Wicklow on Sunday.

Chrissy McKaigue fired an early goal for the Oak Leaf County after Jamie Snell had put Wicklow into an early lead, and with Stephen Duffy and Conor McGaynor on target Wicklow stayed in contention.

But nine minutes from the interval Derry hit a key score of the game when Christopher Bradley made the most of a mix-up following a Wicklow kickout and goaled, which gave them a 2-3 to 0-5 interval lead.

Two Emmet Bradley points got Derry up and running in the second-half and despite McGaynor and Mark Jackson efforts Derry held on easily for the win.

Meanwhile, after four attempts, Antrim picked up their first win of the competition, a 1-13 to 1-8 victory over London at Corrigan Park in Belfast.

London had got off to a great start when David Dunne struck home a goal for them in the third minute, but after Martin Johnston and Patrick McBride efforts, Ryan Murray’s goal from a penalty seven minutes before half-time put the home side in control ad 1-6 to 1-2 ahead at the break.

Further scores from Matthew Fitzpartick and Ryan Murray kept London at bay, and despite a London resurgence, Rurai McCann landed the final score for Antrim.

And Waterford leapfrogged Wexford off the bottom of the table thanks to a five-goal victory at Innovate Wexford Park.

Waterford had Ray O’Ceallaigh sent off in first-half added-time, but the Deise men showed a steely nerve in front of goal to run out 5-4 to 0-12 winners.

Goals from Ferghal O’Cuirrin and Dylan Guiry had Waterford slightly ahead by 2-2 to 0-6 at half-time, but despite playing with 14 men they claimed a rare away win.

Ferghal O’Cuirrin, Shane Aherne – via a deflection – and Conor Murray hit the goals for Waterford in the second-half, all of which came after Conor Carty had levelled matters with 20 minutes remaining.