DIVISION FOURA 68TH-MINUTE goal from the penalty-spot by top scorer Connie Power gave Waterford a deserved, if somewhat flattering, 1-13 to 0-10 victory over Clare at Dungarvan yesterday, a result that leaves the Bannermen pointless after three rounds of the league.
It was a result that looked unlikely early in the game as Clare started strongly, easing into a 0-4 to no score lead after just seven minutes. However, five points from Power brought the visitors back to within a single point at the break - 0-5 to 0-6.
Power had further points after the break and the game was put beyond Clare's reach when goalkeeper Joe Hayes appeared to push a Waterford forward as he went to contest a high cross and Power slotted the resultant penalty to the net with just two minutes remaining
Mick Ahearne's point in added-time sealed a home win that will be a big boost for Waterford as they prepare to face Clare in the upcoming Munster championship.
Meanwhile, in Ardfinnan, Barry Grogan took his league tally to 3-30 from four outings as Tipperary eased to a 1-23 to 0-4 victory over London. Under the guidance of Kerry's John Evans, Tipp have now collected six points from a possible eight and harbour realistic promotion hopes.
The home side recovered from a sluggish start to lead 1-7 to 0-2 at half-time before outscoring the Exiles 0-16 to two points in the second half.
The prolific Grogan finished with a haul of 1-9, including a 25th-minute penalty which was awarded when captain Brian Mulvihill was hauled down by London goalkeeper and Tipperary native Evan Byrne.
In Aughrim yesterday, Seánie Furlong was in sparkling form as he inspired his team to a massive 2-34 to 0-5 win over Kilkenny.
Furlong opened the scoring for Wicklow after two minutes with a point, went on to wrack up 1-9 of Wicklow's total, while he was denied two more early goals by Kilkenny's goalkeeper John Coonan with super saves.
Free-taker Paul Earls were also on song for Wicklow and the home side had the league points wrapped up by half time when they led by 2-13 to 0-2.
On Saturday, Niall McNamee was Offaly's saviour at Casement Park, scoring a a late point to snatch a 1-10 to 0-13 draw with Antrim.
SCORERS
Waterford: C Power 1-9 (goal from penalty, 0-7 from frees); M Ahearne (free), P Hurney, A. Hubbard, S Cunningham 0-1 each. Clare: D Tubridy 0-5 (three frees); John Hayes 0-2; S Collins, R Donnelly, S Hickey 0-1 each.
Tipperary: B Grogan 1-9 (six frees); D O'Brien 0-4; B Mulvihill 0-3; C Maher, R Costigan, E Hanrahan, K Mulryan, P Austin, L Coskeran, P Johnson 0-1 each. London: M McNulty 0-2 (one free); P Hehir, P O'Donoghue 0-1 each.
Wicklow: S Furlong 1-9; P Earls 0-9; J McGrath 0-6; D Odlum 1-2; J Stafford 0-4; C Walsh 0-2; T Walsh, T Burke 0-1 each. Kilkenny: E Brennan 0-2; P Sheehan, A McGovern, N Roche 0-1 each.
