Five-goal second half fires Rovers past TU Dublin
A crowd of just over 400 at Leckview Park got behind Letterkenny Rovers as they produced a remarkable second-half comeback to beat TU Dublin 6–3. Trailing 3–1 shortly after the break, Rovers scored five unanswered goals, with Zach Gorman completing a hat-trick and substitute Jamie Harris adding a late double.
TU Dublin took the lead through Adam Mulhall in the 12th minute. Gorman equalised from the penalty spot on 29 minutes, but Adam Farrell restored the visitors’ advantage in the 39th. Thomas Morgan then made it 3–1 on 55 minutes, leaving Rovers with plenty to do.
The reply came a minute later. A throw-in on the right found Luke Parke, who made space for a cross into the area. Captain Adrian Delap controlled it on his chest between two TU Dublin players before striking into the net. The goal lifted the home side and the crowd as Rovers took control of the second half.
Rovers drew level in the 76th minute from a free kick on the right. Joel Gorman pulled the ball across the outside of the 18-yard box, where Zach Gorman met it first time and fired home. Ten minutes later, Zach converted his second penalty of the afternoon to complete his hat-trick and put Rovers ahead for the first time.
Harris made sure of the result with two fine late finishes. After Rovers won the ball near halfway, Ultan O’Grady found Zach Gorman on the left wing. Gorman threaded a pass through the defence for Harris, who ran clear and calmly placed his shot to the right of the goalkeeper in the 89th minute.
There was still time for one more in the second minute of stoppage time. Patrick McGarvey sent a long ball forward, Cathal McGeever collected it on the right and squared it towards Harris at the edge of the area. Harris weaved past several defenders before driving his shot across goal and into the bottom-right corner.
At the halfway point of the league campaign, the win leaves Rovers top of Group 2 on goal difference ahead of Salthill Devon. With the home crowd behind them and a big second half of the season to come, Stephen McConnell’s side have given themselves a strong platform to build on.
Zach Gorman scores a hattrick against TU Dublin
Photos Donagh McMorrow
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