Tempo 3-08 Maguiresbridge 3-06

Tempo’s fine run of form continued with a home win against Maguiresbridge at the weekend to keep their spot in second.

The Maguires are hunting for a return to Division One and have left themselves in a good position after winning five games from their opening six matches in the league.

Goals from Aidan Breen, Lorcan McStravick and Tiarnan Bogue helped them to a two-point win at St. Patrick’s Park on Saturday against Adrian Diver’s side.

A Mark Hughes free-kick opened the scoring as the visitors took an early lead but two quickfire points from McStravick would see Tempo nudge in front.

Ben Warnock added a free with Luke St Ledger then kicking over a 45’ to close the gap.

A purple patch in front of goal would see the hosts storm out ahead as Aidan Breen’s high ball into the square was allowed to bounce and it flew all the way into the net.

McStravick then added a second goal with a great strike into the top right corner of the goal just past the 20-minute mark.

Points from Breen and Ryan Ingram gave Tempo a cushion, but the away side did strike back on the stroke of halftime as a high ball into the square was palmed into the net by Ryan Hyde to leave the halftime score at 2-05 to 1-02. 

Connor McNally pointed for Tempo in between two free kicks from Hughes at the beginning of the second half and the host’s advantage grew even stronger when halftime substitute Tiarnan Bogue drove into the final third and watched his shot at goal deflect into the roof of the net.

McStravick and Niall McElroy pointed either side of a Hughes free, but Maguiresbridge weren’t done just yet as a brilliant goal from Luca McCusker gave them life.

A high ball into the square was caught by McCusker and he shot on the turn and found the bottom right corner, with Fionn Nolan adding a point two minutes later.

Good work from Caolan Duffy resulted in Nolan poking the ball into the net from close range to cut the gap to two points, but time was up for the travelling side as the final whistle blew after the kick-out.

Joint Tempo manager Ryan Cassidy said after the game: “We were pleased to come away with the win. Games against Maguiresbridge are always highly competitive and Saturday proved no different.

"It has been a busy period with three games in quick succession, alongside other factors such as unavailability due to holidays, so we’re happy to get through the period with another win.”