Leitrim produced a stunning second-half turnaround to defeat London and secure back-to-back wins in Division 4 of the Allianz Football League, thanks to six crucial two-pointers from substitute Barry McNulty. The result leaves Steven Poacher’s side second in the table, behind leaders Carlow, after three rounds of action.
London dominated the first half in Ruislip, racing to a 10-point lead. Captain Liam Gallagher opened the scoring straight from throw-in, followed by points from Kristian Healy and a Joe McGill free. The home side extended their advantage when Micheal O’Reilly found the net in the ninth minute, making it 0-06 to 0-00 early on.
Leitrim responded with a goal from Fergal McLoughlin in the 10th minute, but London’s control of possession and patient attacking play kept the visitors at bay. McGill added two long-range two-pointers, while Ryan O’Rourke contributed at the other end. The half saw tempers flare after a foul left Healy injured, resulting in black cards for London’s Gallagher and Leitrim’s Kieran Clancy.
Despite the disciplinary setback, London ended the first half strongly, with McGill, Ciaran Diver, Jim Davis, and O’Reilly pushing their lead to 1-14 to 1-04. Leitrim went into the break facing a significant deficit, with many assuming the game was effectively over.
Leitrim had other ideas. Glencar-Manorhamilton man McNulty came off the bench at half-time to change the game. His first long-range two-pointer arrived minutes after the restart, signaling the start of a remarkable revival. Scores from Tom Prior and Riordan O’Rourke quickly reduced the deficit to five points.
The visitors’ momentum grew as McNulty added a series of precise two-pointers, combined with contributions from Paul Honeyman and Riordan O’Rourke, cutting London’s lead to three. His fifth two-pointer pushed Leitrim three points clear, and a sixth sealed the victory, leaving London unable to respond.
Leitrim’s comeback highlighted both determination and tactical adjustment, with McNulty’s accuracy from range turning the tide. The victory provides a boost of confidence ahead of the next rounds, proving the team can recover from setbacks and compete at a high level.
