LONDON, who trailed by six points halfway through the second half, took a decisive step towards promotion yesterday, when they staged a. dramatic rally to beat Carlow by 2-12 to 2-10 in Parnell Park, London.

Despite playing into a stiff breeze, Carlow were two points ahead at halftime. Clareman Brian Minogue kick started London's recovery with a well-taken goal 14 minutes into the second half and full-forward Michael Cunningham clinched it for the home side with another eight minutes from time.

Mick Lyons, who finished with a tally of 0-7, was London's main marksman, and although Pat Coady went one better for the visitors, London held their nerve when the pressure was on in the final stages of a very entertaining game.

Roscommon, who were hammered by Derry last time out, suffered another defeat yesterday, going down by 2-14 to 0-8 to Kildare at Athleague. Goals from Eamon Cleary and Tom Carew in a five-minute spell at the end of the first half helped the visitors to a 2-6 to 0-4 lead at half-time.

Early second half points from Cleary, Gregg Deering and John Byrne kept Kildare in the driving seat, and when goalkeeper Chris Byrne saved from mid-fielder Mickey Caniffe midway through the second half with the goal at his mercy, Roscommon's challenge faded away.

Derry joined the posse of four teams on eight points in second place with a very comfortable 2-13. to 1-7 win over Fermanagh at Celtic Park.