A point from a long range free by Austin Gleeson with the last action of the Division 1A Allianz League clash in Thurles clinched a thrilling victory for Waterford.

Gleeson was almost 100 metres from the Tipperary goal but his aim was straight and true, much to the delight of Waterford supporters in the crowd of 6,540.

Tipperary led by five points early in the second half before a spirited Waterford revival took them to within a point of the hosts early in the final quarter.

Tom Devine flashed in Waterford’s goal in the 59th minute and three further points gave them a four point advantage.

However, Tipperary battled back and points by John O’Dwyer and Noel McGrath cut the deficit to two points before John McGrath pounced for a goal in the 68th minute.

Patrick Curran levelled it up from a free in the 71st minute before Gleeson’s powerful stroke snatched victory for Waterford.

Tipperary led by 0-12 to 0-8 at half-time, having hit three late points from John O’Dwyer (2) and Michael Breen.

Their advantage would have been greater except for a brilliant save by Waterford goalkeeper, Stephen O’Keeffe in the 34th minute. ‘Bonner’ Maher seemed set to score a goal as he cut in from the right but O’Keeffe read his shot superbly, pulling off a great save.

Tipperary led by three points after 14 minutes but Waterford battled back and were level by the 25th minute. However, Tipperary were stronger on the run towards half-time and opened up a four-point lead.

Waterford had an interesting line-up at the start with Austin Gleeson switching from the half-back line to full-forward.

He scored the opening point in the first minute but didn’t get much possession from there on and moved outfield in the second quarter.

Tipperary stretched their lead to five points in the 41st minute but Waterford responded positively, scoring four unanswered points in a four-minute burst.

Scorers: Waterford: P Curran 0-9 (7f), T Devine 1-0, S Bennett 0-3, K Moran, A Gleeson 0-2 (1f) each, M Kearney, J Barron 0-1 each.

Tipperary: J O’Dwyer 0-11 (9f), J McGrath 1-2, M Breen 0-2, N McGrath, B Maher 0-1 each.

Tipperary: D Gleeson; C Barrett, T Hamill, M Cahill; B Heffernan, R Maher, Padraic Maher; B Maher, M Breen; N McGrath, D McCormack, Patrick Maher; J O’Dwyer, L McGrath, J McGrath.

Subs: N O’Meara for L McGrath (50). K Bergin for McCormack (58)

Waterford: S O’Keeffe; S Fives, B Coughlan, N Connors; P Mahony, D Fives, K Moran; J Barron, C Dunford; M Walsh, P Curran, J Dillon; S Bennett, A Gleeson, M Kearney.

Subs: T Devine for Kearney (46), T Ryan for Walsh (54), S O’Sullivan for Dunford (65).

Referee: C Lyons (Cork)

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