Offaly stay on track

Offaly...1-11 Clare...0-10:  Despite a spirited third-quarter recovery by Clare, Offaly stayed in contention for promotion with a victory at O'Connor Park, Tullamore, yesterday.

Offaly threatened to establish a big lead in the first half as a fourth-minute goal by Alan McNamee was followed by some well-taken points.

McNamee's brother, Niall, and dual player Neville Coughlan almost added goals in the 17th and 19th minutes, respectively.

Along with pointing two frees, Ciarán McManus held sway at midfield while further points were scored by Coughlan, Roy Malone and John Reynolds. Clare stayed in touch with points from David Russell, Denis Russell and Kieran Considine as Offaly held a 1-6 to 0-3 advantage at half-time.

But the home side faded in a disappointing second half and their lead was cut to two points with Denis Russell and free-taker Michael O'Dwyer registering 0-2 each. But John O'Neill and Colm Quinn (free) restored a four-point lead for Offaly. In injury-time, Clare sub Noel Griffen was sent off for a second bookable.

OFFALY: C McNamara; S Sullivan, C Evans, S Brady; B Mooney, M Mitchell, K Slattery; C McManus (0-2, frees), M Daly; N Coughlan (0-1), C Quinn (0-2, frees), A McNamee (1-1); R Malone (0-1), N McNamee (0-2, one free), J Reynolds (0-1). Subs: C Daly for M Mitchell (45 mins); J O'Neill (0-1) for M Daly (50 mins); C Farrell for J Reynolds (61 mins); A Mulhall for R Malone (69 mins).

CLARE: D O'Brien; P Gallagher, C Whelan, C Kirwan; P Smyth, B Considine, R Slattery; D O'Sullivan, J Moody; M O'Shea, E Coughlan, David Russell (0-1); Denis Russell (0-3), O O'Dwyer (0-2, frees), K Considine (0-1). Subs: K Dilleen for P Gallagher (21 mins); N Griffen for P Smith (28 mins); M O'Dwyer (0-2, frees) for E Corcoran (half-time); G Quinlan (0-1) for M O'Shea (50 mins); C Mullen for David Russell (60 mins).

Referee: M Duffy (Sligo).