St Vincent’s held onto top spot in the Adult Football League Division One table with a hard-earned 0-17 to 2-8 victory over Naomh Olaf at Pairc Ui Bhriain.
It was hard won despite facing a promoted Olaf’s side that have found things difficult of late and came into round 11 on the back of five consecutive reversals, leaving them second-from-bottom in the top-tier.
Points from Adam Baxter, Enda Varley and Tomás Quinn allowed Vins to create early breathing space, before Dublin Under-20 attacker Tom Keane forced Olaf’s into the reckoning with a well-taken goal.
Though they led by the bare minimum at the break, Vins remained in the ascendancy after the restart thanks to strong scoring contributions from Varley, Cian O’Brien and Adam Giblin.
However, with Dublin senior panellist David Byrne driving them forward, Olaf’s secured their second goal of the proceedings.
This set the game up for a grandstand finale, only for Vins to regain control with the help of some outstanding defensive work by Jarlath Curley and substitute James McCusker.
Quinn was also on hand to convert a series of frees in the closing moments – ensuring the northsiders extended their unbeaten run to four games.
Kilmacud Crokes currently lead the chasing pack, after they recorded a comprehensive 4-14 to 3-9 triumph at the expense of St Sylvester’s at Silver Park.
They are two points adrift of Vincent’s with just four matches remaining, but third-place Ballyboden St Enda’s are also expected to have a considerable say in the direction of the Division One trophy.
On a bright summer evening at Páirc Uí Murchú, Anthony Rainbow’s charges were commanding 3-17 to 0-13 victors over St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh. Ahead of their visit to Somerton Park on Saturday week for a night-time encounter with Castleknock, ‘Boden find themselves a single point behind defending champions Crokes.
Meanwhile, Na Fianna returned to winning ways at home to Ballinteer St John’s – which consequently helps them to remain in fourth spot. Michael Deegan and Sky Blues underage star James Doran found the net for the Glasnevin side – who were searching for their first triumph in four outings.
