Tower’s late surge undoes Templeogue

MICHEÁL Walsh fired home an injury-time goal to see Round Tower clinch a 3-8 to 3-11 victory over AFL Two rivals, Templeogue Synge Street in Dolphin Park on Saturday.

It was the second week in succession that the Clondalkin side has snatched victory by way of a late goal, Jason Joyce having done the honours against Ballyboughal in their previous outing at Monastery Road.

Between retirements, inter-county commitments and injuries, Templeogue have been struggling badly to field anything near a full-strength squad over recent months.

Yet they were able to draw on the services of a number of players from the club’s AFL Four outfit, which, itself, has been pushing strongly for promotion this season.

Indeed these late call-ups did not look out of place at the higher tier of club football and helped see Templeogue into a 1-6 to 0-6 lead by the halftime break, Gerry Canavan finding the back of the net in the opening half.

Towers did go close to a first-half goal themselves, but Eric Finn’s effort was saved while Walsh just slightly overhit his pass when trying to set up Joe Leech for an attempt.

Micheál Walsh gets his pass away during Saturday’s match

It was points, both from frees and play, by Ian Ward that kept Towers in touch, although they found themselves facing a six-point deficit early in the second half when Mark Traenor rifled home a second goal for Templeogue.

Yet, when Walsh struck with the outside of the boot while somewhat off balance, Towers were back in contention.

Mick Hallows converted a penalty in what was a chaotic second half that saw several black cards produced.

But it was Towers who were managing the occasion better, punishing any Templeogue error with swift and effective counter attacks in numbers.

And, with Hallows and full back, Dan Gregg helping cut out much of the Templeogue attack, the homeside saw scores beginning to dry up.

Fintan Dignam did weigh in with a goal and a point while Scott McConnell and Ger Vickery both struck over as the game appeared destined to finish deadlock.

But it was Towers who ultimately had the final say with another punishing counter move that was finished with a low strike to the target by Walsh.

The victory could well prove a telling one for Towers in their bid to avoid becoming embroiled in a relegation battle, something that also threatens Templeogue, who will really need to earn full points from their two remaining games against leaders, St Sylvester’s and St Anne’s in order to ensure survival.