Mayo came from behind to snatch a late draw with Clare at Ballina yesterday, through a Maurice Sheridan point from a 45. With Sheridan off form from place kicks, Mayo were always struggling to keep their noses in front of a lively Clare side who led by one point with 10 minutes remaining.

Indeed, Mayo were left to regret missing many good chances, particularly a goal opportunity in the 38th minute, when James Horan shot wide from six metres with only the goalkeeper to beat. John Casey and David Nestor had Mayo three points ahead after eight minutes, but 12 minutes later Clare had drawn level, with two points from frees by Martin Daly and one from play by Ciaran Considine.

Twice Mayo edged ahead but Clare hit back each time to leave the sides deadlocked at the break, Considine kicking two fine points in the 26th and 28th minutes.

The introduction of Damien Devine for Clare on the resumption had its effect and when the substitute put the Clare side one point ahead in the 50th minute, they looked like the winners.

Sustained Mayo pressure saw David Nestor bring the best out of the Clare goalkeeper in the 51st minute at the expense of a 45 but the usually reliable Sheridan was off the mark from the kick. Eventually Sheridan found the target from a second 45 with three minutes remaining.

Mayo: P Burke; K Mortimer, K Cahill, P Holmes; F Costello, A Roche, A Higgins; C McManamon, P Fallon; M Sheridan (0-3), J Mallon, J Casey (0-2); B Moloney, J Horan, D Nestor (0-2). Subs: G Morley for Holmes; D Quinn for Moloney.

Clare: J Hanrahan; A Malone, N Hawes, J Enright; B Keating, B Ruane, C Nagle; D Russell, B Considine; M Hynes, J Daly, D O'Driscoll; P McMahon, C Considine (0-3), M Daly (0-3). Sub: D Devine (0-1) for J Daly. Referee: S McCormack (Meath).