ALLIANZ NFL DIVISION 4
LEITRIM 0-17
CLARE 2-12

After a disastrous week that saw Colin Regan and Emlyn Mulligan ruled out for the rest of the year, Leitrim came within a hair-breath of securing a victory that would have lifted the county and breathed new life into League campaign.

Keeper Gareth Phelan will have night-mares for years to come over Clare's two goals that saw the Leitrim net-minder let two speculative long shots from over 40 yards end up in the net and transform a game that was heading in the away side's favour.

That may seem like laying a lot on the shoulders of Gareth Phelan particularly after the Melvin Gaels club-man had made a wonderful first half save but the impact of Clare's two goals were seismic, reigniting a Clare challenge that looked to be dead and buried as Leitrim led by six points after 11 minutes of the second half.

Nobody was keen to apportion any blame to the keeper in Ennis last Sunday but it is the cruel nature of a goal-keeper's life that any mistakes are magnified, incredibly so after the two goals gifted the Banner Men with a victory they scarcely deserved.

Leitrim played some wonderful, open and attacking football, using the pace of David O'Connor, Philip Howard and Michael Foley to deadly effect during the first half as Philly McGuinness gave a master class in visionary play.

Leading by four points at the break was actually a poor return as Leitrim bossed a Clare team who may have believed a little too rashly that Sunday's game would be a cake-walk against a depleted Leitrim.

In all fairness, Clare had their chances in the first half but too often went for over-elaboration, taking the extra pass but Leitrim were good value for their lead.

But Barry Toner's 47th minute goal changed everything – Phelan was visibly distraught after he let the harmless high ball slip through his grasp and bounce into the net.

That goal infused Clare with a confidence they had previously lacked, forcing Leitrim onto the back-foot and relying on the boot of the excellent Michael Foley for scores. The Drumkeerin man scored eight points and was key in punishing an undisciplined Clare defence.

But each time Foley converted a free, Clare managed an instant response, none more deadly than with seven minutes to go when sub Barry Prior lost the ball.