The phrase "a late effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an attempt or action that is made after the expected or appropriate time has passed.
Example: "Despite the challenges, the team made a late effort to complete the project before the deadline."
Alternatives: "a belated attempt" or "a tardy effort".
They deserved tries through Craig Hall, Anthony Tupou and a late effort from Jonny Molloy.
He continued to fight when he was released and preached minor miracles at tiny chapels in a late effort to save lost souls.
Perhaps a late effort by Mr. Romney's campaign could bring it back to within three points of the national average, as it was in 2008.
Switzerland's Diego Benaglio was the only goalkeeper to register a shot at the 2014 tournament, thanks to a late effort v Argentina.
The sanctuary cities bill urged by the governor stalled in the House, and lawmakers made a late effort to tack it onto a must-pass school finance and budget bill.
Years later, when Clinton was consumed with war in the former Yugoslavia, air strikes in Iraq, and a late effort to reach a Middle East peace accord, Hamilton knew that he had been vindicated.
Wotherspoon hit the top of the bar with a powerful late effort, but it seemed a forlorn effort with only three minutes left of the 90.
Wickets kept falling for Ireland and despite a good late effort from Sorensen, Ireland went down to a heavy defeat in their first match.
Pearson eventually introduced both Kramaric and Ulloa once behind, but Stoke were well organised and still looked the likelier team to score, substitute Peter Crouch coming close to doubling the lead with a spectacular late effort.
But they played the entire second half a man down as Ighalo's late effort capped a dramatic day on and off the field.
The visitors also had a goal disallowed, Rene Howe's late effort ruled out for a push inside the penalty area.
