NHL Div 2: It's win or bust for Mac in London tie

Down manager Jim McKernan knows that his side must win against London at Newry tomorrow (2.30pm) if they are to have any chance of remaining in the race to gain promotion from Division 2B of the National Hurling League.

The peninsula men lived dangerously against Derry last week-end and although they will start favourites against London, they will be taking nothing for granted.

Armagh have seen their campaign falter following back to back defeats by Derry and Carlow and cannot feel too optimistic about their chances against steely Meath at Keady on Sunday (2.30pm).

Declan Coulter still carries the bulk of Armagh's scoring hopes while players like Barney McCann, Ger Enright and Paul McCormack lend experience to the cause.

Meath are invariably rugged and resilient, a team that fights to the last.

While Armagh were rather unfortunate against Derry, they were more comprehensively beaten by Carlow and now manager Mattie Lennon has the task of restoring morale. Relegation certainly hovers over the Orchard County and a defeat on Sunday would seal their fate.

But Derry boss Brian McGilligan is hoping his side can stay in the hunt for promotion when they face Cavan even though they lack overall experience.

McGilligan is under no illusions about the task they face, either.

"We have a lot of very young players in the side who are still finding their feet at this level," observes McGilligan.