Donegal 1-14; London 1-6: A fourth-minute goal by Paddy Quinn gave London a flying start in yesterday's game played before 1,000 spectators at Ruislip.

But once Brian Roper had cancelled out that score just two minutes later, there was no looking back for table-toppers Donegal, who dominated play in most areas.

The visitors proved particularly strong in midfield, where Stephen McDermott and Brian McLoughlin were well in control, with three forwards - Adrian Sweeney, Brendan Devenney and Brian Roper - sharing the scoring honours.

A strong wind and driving rain proved too much for London to handle, even though four late points from Paul Hehir and one from Colm Foody improved the scoreline.

It did not disguise the fact that London have a long way to go if they are to avoid propping up the league table for the fourth successive year.

DONEGAL: P Durcan; N McCready, R Sweeney, D Diver; S Carr, B Monaghan, E McGee; B McLoughlin, S McDermott; C Toye, M Hegarty, B Roper (1-1); P McConigle, A Sweeney (0-7), B Devenney (0-6). Subs: J Haran for M Hegarty; E Reddin for Diver; J Gildea for McDermott; K Lacey for McGee.

LONDON: J Kinahan; C Scanlon, N Kane, S Murphy; P McGonigley, J Niblock, M Drea; G Kane, J Carmody; B Egan, C Foody (0-1), P Quinn (1-0); P Connolly, P Hehir (0-5), B McDonagh. Subs: C Harrison for Drea; P O'Donoghue for Carmody; P Lynnott for McDonagh; S Byrne for Connolly.

Referee: H Beirne (Roscommon).