After a bright opening that saw them open up an early lead and led right through the first half, Sligo’s senior hurlers eventually went down by five points - 0-26 to 0-21 - to an improving London side at McGovern Park in Ruislip on Saturday.

On a bright clear day, the strong breeze which was behind the visitors for the opening half was to have a big influence on proceedings.

The Easkey pair of Joe McHugh and Andy Kilcullen gave Sligo the best of starts with five unanswered points in the opening seven minutes.

The visitors extended that lead steadily over the remainder of the half and were nine in front, 0-14 to 0-5, as added time was announced. London then got the boost of a penalty but a brilliant save by Sligo Keeper Jimmy Gordon seemed to confirm the Yeats county’s dominance.

Ironically it was London who took heart and led by corner forward Ronan Crowley, they had a blitz of scores to narrow the margin to five points by the half time break, 0-15 to 0-10.

On the resumption, London continued exactly where they had left the first half and made full use of their advantage with the wind to reel in and then overtake Sligo with 12 minutes

It was nip and tuck for 20 minutes with London staying ahead but Sligo keeping in touch before the home side opened up in the last five minutes of normal time and in extra time to eventually finish five ahead.

Sligo now return to Markievicz Park to face Derry for the third time this season and only two week after the sides met in the Div2B league final.